I have been doing my observation at a daycare center that cares for children 6 weeks -12 years. In the morning the 2-5 year old children are in a preschool program.The afternoon is for lunch, nap, and a unstructured play time until parents arrive. The school has two boys enrolled that have special needs.One is a 4 year old and the other is a five year old that attends full time kindergarten and comes to the center for before and after school care.
The 5 year old has a diagnosis of high functioning autism. He is included in the a.m. kindergarten class and receives special education services in the afternoon before being bussed to the daycare center. I have had many interactions with this child. He is very affectionate and curious. He initiates conversation (in his own limited way) each time he sees me.He had noticeable speech and social issues . The daycare teachers all seem a bit intimidated by him. The teacher informed me that he frequently soils himself and they are very disturbed about cleaning him up.They seem to think he does this to be spiteful, when he doesn't get what he wants. I asked if he does this at school also. But, no one knows because there is no communication between the school and daycare. The teachers in this facility are educated in early childhood education but none of them has any special education training.Another issue they have is not knowing his "triggers" and how to calm him down. He has had a few" meltdowns" and they had a difficult time calming him. The positives I have observed is the "typical" children accepting the child for his differences and including him in games to the best of his ability. The child with autism becomes so excited to play with the other school aged children. I have watched him trying to communicate his wants to the other children in the group. He will take one of their hands and lead them if they can not understand his speech.It is wonderful to watch children learning empathy and compassion for others.
After, talking with the teachers at this center I am gaining new insight into some of the challenges a child and/or teacher experiences in inclusion situations.I believe it is the parent's responsibility to inform the caregivers on how to address these type of issues at the time of enrollment. It is unfair to the child and the i teachers involved with the child with special needs.
I found this quote that seems to fit the topic of inclusion.
"There are two ways of meeting difficulties" you alter the difficulties or you alter the way you meet them."
-Phyllis Bottome
I really enjoyed reading your blog. I was wondering if that was the first time that the daycares have children enrolled with special needs? I feel that the reason that they are feeling a bit intimidated id because they may not have the experience of working with children who have special needs. I remember when we had a child placed in our classroom that had Autism. It was very hard for the teacher, me and the students because of the characteristics of this child. However, as time went on we were able to find ways to help to ensure that he has a positive learning experience. I think that the daycare should work with the parents, and see if they can collaborate as a team to share ideas that can be used to reinforce behaviors at school, home and the daycare. I am proud to say that the little boy who was in our classroom improved gradually but he did. He was able to sit and participate during circle time. What I will always remember is that change does not happen overnight. There are going to be many challenges that teachers are going to have because no child will act, learn, think alike but we must find ways in which we can reach them and provide them with an enriched learning experience. Also I will share is that all children can learn it may not be the same day but they can learn. The quote you submitted is a good example of why all children should be provided with an enriched learning environment that will only serve as the foundation for future success.
ReplyDeleteI agree the daycare needs to work closely with the parent and school to make the transition form school to daycare a positive one. I have noticed the boy seems to becoming more comfortable with both the daycare staff and the other children.
DeleteI believe it would be helpful for the daycare teacher to ask mom to set up a meeting with his elementary school and see what works for him throughout the day there. A meeting could only help the daycare teacher with ideas and maybe a better understanding of this child’s diagnosis. The daycare teacher can express her concerns to the parents and reassure them that they want him to be successful at their setting. As an educator of preschool children, I know the feeling of getting frustrated, but I always try to remember that we are dealing with kids and they need our support and understanding.
ReplyDeleteCindy
ReplyDeleteI really like that quote and it is very apropos. Maybe involving mom with ways to work with the child may help as many times what works at home will work at school. Also, there should be a behavior specialist that should come in and help the teachers determine what to do to include this child.