CHAPTER 21CARING FOR SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN

INTRODUCTION Each child develops differently; therefore

their abilities are different. Some children may be developmentally

ahead, and some may lag behind. Some may require extra attention. Therefore, providers must be sensitive

when responding to the needs of children, and planning activities so all children can participate to the best of their abilities.

DEFINING SPECIAL NEEDS Refers to circumstances that cause a child’s

physical, cognitive, and behavioral development to vary from what’s considered normal

Treat them as children first and as people with disabilities second. They have the same basic need to be loved, accepted, and respected.

They require a secure, nurturing, and stimulating environment.

LAWS AND THE DISABLED

To help parents, care providers, and other advocates ensure that children with disabilities have their needs met, certain laws were developed to ensure that their needs are met, and that they receive a free and appropriate education.

LAWS AND THE DISABLED

Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) Guarantees free special

education and related services (speech, physical, or occupational therapy to all children 3-21 yrs. Old. An IEP is developed to make sure the educational needs are met.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Civil rights law prohibiting discrimination due to disability of public services, employment, or accommodations.

LAWS AND OTHER TERMS TO KNOW

Rehabilitation Act, Section 504

This law also prohibits discrimination. People should have chance to be successful

Offers more than IDEA; covers people from birth to death

Related Terms Accommodations:

changes made in classrooms to help special needs children

Inclusion: including special needs children in regular education classrooms.

Related Terms (con’t) Individualized Family Service Plan: makes sure goals

are set to meet the child’s needs. Individualized Education Program (IEP): outlines how

to encourage development in a child who has special needs; IDEA requires this. The plan includes:

- the child’s abilities - goals for development - educational goals - services to be provided - ways of ensuring goals are met - how child will me mainstreamed in regular classrooms

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