What should I expect working in a classroom with children with disabilities?

Question

I have recently been hired for a position with children with disabilities, I have worked in a childcare center with toddlers and more recently at a Head Start. I hold an associates degree in Early Childhood and I am currently working on a Bachelor's degree in Birth-Kindergarten Education and minoring in Special Education. I have never worked with this population, and of course as a human I am anxious and even having mixed feelings, but I would love to have hand's on experience because I have chosen this as a minor and I want to know more about the field. I just want to be the best teacher I can be, which is what I try to do in any job. What kind of advice would you offer to someone new to this field?

Answer 1

One thing I learned in human services classes.  Just focus on the person (child's) strengths what they can do.  Not what they can't.

I filled in a few days last year as a subsitute paraprofessional.

The best way is to always encourage them.

Answer 2

This should be your major. There are a lot of nuances to this specialty. Every day can bring a new event and you have to adjust on the spot.Some parents are very involved with their child's scholastic abilities and that*a new area that has to be looked at.

Answer 3

Keep an open mind. Sometimes the biggest obstacle isn't the child with the disability it's the parent who doesn't want to acknowledge the fact that their child is different OR realizes it and treats them differently for it.

Treat every child the same, just like you would a normal child. Sometimes it is frustrating, but at the end of the day it is very worthwhile.

But they won't be too much different than working in a day care or at Head Start. The only difference is that they have a disability, and they will do things differently.

I used to work for a daycare through the county, half the kids were MRDD, half the kids were typical. Some of the kids used basic sign, but again they were all kids. So just teach them like you would any other child.

It wouldn't be a bad idea to learn sign language, or at least just the first level. Most of the kids (depending on age) will sign just the basics-eat, sleep, hungry, done etc. It's easy to learn, but it's also a good idea to teach all the kids sign so they can communicate with each other.  

Answer 4

If you are going to be a teacher, make sure the children's IEP plans are followed.

Too many teachers refuse to do this, knowing full well the IEP plan is a FEDERAL document that MUST be followed.