Lesson 10: Inclusion


Attention

 


Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this lesson's material, students will be able to:

  • Discuss how developmental screenings are used to identify and refer children for special education services.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the IEP process, including referral, evaluations meetings, etc.
  • Explain how an ECE educator can help a child achieve their specific IEP goals.
  • Discuss the pros and cons of inclusion.

Teaching

Read Chapter 8 in Week by Week pgs 233-237

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act http://idea.ed.gov/ is a law ensuring that all children receive appropriate education. The IDEA document discusses Inclusion. Inclusion means that children have the right to be in the regular classroom as much as is possible and appropriate for that child.

Developmental screenings are usually completed prior to enrollment in most formal preschool or Head Start programs. They may also be completed by doctors or specialists. Common screenings that are used are:

Notice that a big part of the screening process relies on parent report. These screenings are only a snapshot of the child’s ability. If a concerning score is noted, it is used as a conversation starter with parents about the possibility of a referral. After discussion, the parent can decide whether or not the child should be evaluated by a physician or specialist (ex: behavior specials, speech/language therapist, physical or occupational therapist, etc). If the specialist recommends services for the child, it is the responsibility of the teacher to use the recommendations when he/she plans classroom activities.

If a child has a formal Individual Education Program (IEP) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Individualized_Education_Program the teacher is legally responsible for incorporating changes in the environment and curriculum to support the child.

Prior to starting Kindergarten, children receive services through agencies specializing in children with special needs. In Maine this service is provided by Child Development Service http://www.maine.gov/doe/cds/.

Children between the ages of 0-3 who have been diagnosed with a special need are assigned IFSPs (Individual Family Service Plans) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Individual_Family_Service_Plan instead of IEPs. This is because these young children receive most of their support and education from their family, with the support of early childhood special education personnel.

When children enter Kindergarten they are transitioned to services provided by the school. There is usually a transition meeting. Teachers, parents, specialists, therapists and administrators participate in this meeting and an IEP is written to support the child.


Assessment

Lesson 10 Quiz

Respond to the following scenarios:

  1. Timmy B. is a young boy in your classroom. You complete the DIAL screening and he scores low on the fine motor and speech sections. What do you do next?
  2. Bonnie C. is a little girl who is enrolling in your preschool program this year. One of her IEP goals is to develop the ability to use 5 word sentences. What are 3 ways you could support this goal in the classroom?

 

Lesson 10 Discussion

What do you think are the pros and cons of inclusion?