One of our objectives this week is to discuss strategies to meet the developmental needs of ALL children, including those with with non-typical development.  Inclusion is the full and active participation of children with disabilities or other special needs in community activities, services, and school programs alongside their typically developing peers. If support, accommodations, or modifications are needed to ensure full, active participation, they are provided in a developmentally appropriate manner. The participation results in an authentic sense of belonging for the child and family.

Instructions:

Part 1:

In the video below, Head Teacher Niloufar Rezai explains the importance of access, participation, and support. There are five strategies that are used at the center to help ensure that the needs of individual children are met.  Please watch the video below and select two of the strategies that are highlighted in the video.  For each strategy that you select, explain why you believe the strategy is valuable in providing children with the support that they need to actively participate in learning opportunities.  

Part 2:

Throughout the video, we observed Javier engaged in activities at school or at home.  Select one activity that was shown or discussed, and explain how the activity could support the development of skills to meet a milestone that is typical of a four year old child.  Explain your answer. (For example, we observed that Javier has a strong interest in games.  How could the interest in games be used to support the development of a milestone that is typical of a four year old?)  For this answer, you must reference the Developmental Milestones charts from Chapter 5 of our text.

Video:  Supporting Children’s Individual Needs;  Runtime: 7:28

How to participate in the discussion:

• To make your first post, please use the “Reply” button below.  You will be able to see the posts of your classmates after you have made the first post.
• Your original post should be at least two paragraphs long, one paragraph to address each part of the prompt.  Each of your paragraphs should be about 8-10 sentences and must also reference the reading. 
• The initial post is due by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, and responses to the initial posts of at least two classmates are due by Wednesday at 11:59 p.m.  For full credit, you must post on two separate days within the week.
• For the responses to classmates:
  • Use your classmate’s name.
  • Acknowledge something your classmate said.
  • Build on your classmate’s post, such as, share new information, include your own experiences, or offer a different approach or perspective (short, non-specific responses will not receive credit).
• Discussions will be graded according to the rubric found on page 5 of the syllabus.