Materials for Reflection

In general, applicants are hoping to learn ways to infuse inclusion of children with disabilities and special needs into all topic areas of the Program for Infant/Toddler Caregivers (PITC). They were also interested in specific techniques for working with infants/toddlers with disabilities and special needs and their families. Responses are organized into general themes that emerged with some representative applicant comments.

Training Ideas and Strategies

• I need to learn good presentation ideas for weaving an inclusive attitude and approach through all PITC training topics/areas.

• I would like to learn how to develop sensitivity and competence in working with infants and toddlers with special needs and their families. I would like to learn guidelines and strategies in order to teach my early childhood education students about what they need to know to help them be successful in their interactions and relationships with infants and toddlers with special needs and their families.

• How to frame the material to best convey to caregivers that meeting the developmental needs of all children will serve them best when caring for children with special needs. How to best assist caregivers in accessing community resources.

Inclusion Techniques

• I want to create successful inclusive opportunities for infants and toddlers, aiming for developmentally appropriate integrated care.

• I hope to learn more about adequately supporting growth and development of children with special needs in a group setting — building on provider strengths to meet the demands of care within a center based or family child care setting.

• More hands on ideas to assist in helping teachers to feel comfortable and prepared to work with children with special needs.

• More about how to facilitate the inclusion of the children. How to facilitate relationships between them and the other children in the program. Some unique activities which would facilitate their development and draw other children to participate.

Changing Caregiver Attitudes

• Ways to foster greater acceptance by staff of children with special needs including feeling they are capable of giving special attention/planning to all children in their care.

• Ways to help myself and others to attain the sensitivity, skills and abilities to work with children with disabilities and their families that are truly family focused and address the special needs without having them define our relationships with the child or the family (e.g. Get to know the child and family vs. get to know the disabled child and family).

Assessment and Identification

• Developmental screenings for early detection of special needs. Understanding terms and vocabulary related to children with special needs.

• I would hope to learn more strategies for identifying special needs and specific plans for addressing these needs in the child care setting so that all infants/toddlers have a solid foundation for future growth and development.

Working With Families

• Greater sensitivity and understanding in working in partnership with parents of children with special needs and with other service providers. Increased ability to support staff and parents (through training and technical assistance) in identifying and working with infants and toddlers with special needs; working in partnership with parents; and accessing early intervention systems.

• How to continue supporting parents and children with special needs via new information, resources also culturally specific content.

Working With Specialists and the Early Intervention System

• I am hoping to learn how to incorporate early intervention practices and professionals into the daily routines of child care. I am also hoping to find out what minimum knowledge care givers need to have about children with disabilities.

• I would like to gain a better understanding of how the system works to identify and get resources for the children and their families. How do you cut through all of the red tape?

• Promoting utilization and collaboration of available resources for families, infants and toddlers and staff in regards to special needs issues.

Current Information on Special Needs & Specific Disabilities

• To further my knowledge and resources about both infants/toddlers and special needs (how do these two elements cross over?).

• Gain knowledge, resources, and ideas to share with families and the community.

• I am hoping that I will have the opportunity to learn more about current research, model projects around the country, expanded legal and ADA information. I would like also to hear from experts in the field, have the time to read the materials, and share experiences and concerns with other trainers.

• How does temperament of children with special needs impact relationship with caregiver? What are best practices for setting up environments to promote optimum growth? Dealing with issues when working with medically fragile children with short life expectancy.

There were many questions regarding attitudes, as well as questions about specific disabilities, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), working with parents, early indicators, resources and techniques. Responses are organized into general themes that emerged with some representative applicant comments.

There were only two real responses to this question: 1) the attitude, knowledge and training of the caregivers and 2) resources. The primary barrier seems to be fear.

There were many ideas shared by applicants. Participants are hoping to increase their own knowledge about children with special needs, improve their skills as a trainer or consultant and increase opportunities for inclusion in their communities. Responses are organized into general themes that emerged with some representative applicant comments.