This easy-to-use guide gives you a quick overview on many topics related to working with young children with special needs. Learn about inclusion in early childhood programs and disability law, as well as typical vs. atypical development. The quick guide also covers several specific disabilities/special needs and provides definitions, common characteristics, and practical strategies for adaptation.
Cindy Croftis the director of the Center for Inclusive Child Care at Concordia University and on faculty for several university education programs. She has her MA in Education and has worked in the field of early childhood for over twenty years.
Unit 1:Foundations for Success
Chapter 1: The Meaning of Inclusion
1. NAEYC DEC Position Statement on Inclusion
2. Program Philosophies of Inclusion
3. Practical Application
Chapter 2: Disability Law and Early Childhood
1. The Americans Disabilities Act
2. The Individual with Disabilities Act
3. Practical Application: Why Disability Law Matters to Child Care
Unit 2: Setting the Framework
Chapter 3: Creating a Sense of Belonging
1. More Alike than Different
2. No Expulsion
3. Practical Application
Chapter 4: Typical and Atypical Development
1. Defining typical and atypical development
2. Developmental Milestones
3. Red Flags and Developmental Delays
4. Practical Application
Unit 3: Specific Adaptations by Disability
Chapter 5: Gross and Fine Motor Delays
1. What is a motor delay? Common causes and implications
2. What is gross and fine motor?
3. Practical Application: Strategies for adaptations
Chapter 6: Autism Spectrum Disorder
1. What is ASD? Myths and Facts
2. Major Characteristics of Children with ASD
3. Practical Application: Strategies for Adaptations
Chapter 7: Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder
1. What is ADHD: Fact and Fiction
2. Major characteristics of children wil#K