Accommodating children with special needs in the classroom
Every child has a unique personality and special skills.
Keep your primary focus on each child's strengths and abilities as you work to make modifications and adjustments.
You can arrange moveable chairs to facilitate the student’s ability to understand you.
Students can lip-read best when they have their backs to the light source and you face that source.
The child's parents and professionals who work with the child can be a tremendous resource.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions or make suggestions.
Be aware that students will not be able to lip-read films.
Consider providing a brief outline of the course as a handout or on-line.
If the student uses a sign language interpreter, do not walk in front of the interpreter while speaking. ”) Don’t praise the interpreter’s skill unless you are competent to judge this.
If the student has trouble understanding a point or answering your question, consider that this difficulty may be due to problems with the interpreter’s skill, rather than to the student’s intelligence or preparation.
Each child is different, and each delay or disability will require different modifications.
Child care providers should gather as much information as you can about the child and the disability, and learn about typical modifications that can be made.