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![]() Special needs children are those who have certain challenges carrying out activities normally because they have a chronic physical, emotional, mental, or behavioral condition. Despite their disabilities, they have the same developmental needs as abled children. They have physical, mental, emotional and social needs. At the end of the school day, parents of special needs children want them to be engaged like other children. After school programs are a world of opportunities for them, and great places to fill these needs. Children with special needs also deserve to enjoy life too as their normal friends. Accommodating special needs children in after school programs are one of the best moves the facilities are taking. They increase the life purpose of these children and enable them to view the world in a more diverse perspective. Children with disabilities are the ones who require extra curriculum activities more than anyone else. This is because they need a special environment to do certain things which are considered obvious in a normal person. These children may be incapacitated due to one of the following:
If these kids are well catered for they can achieve goals you never imagined they could. Disability is not inability with a proper support system. Some of the ways in which these children can be accommodated in after school programs are:
There is evidence that special needs children benefits significantly when they learn alongside abled children in any educational program.
Ways Child Care Providers And After School Programs Can Accommodate Special Needs Children.
Accommodating special needs children in after school programs is such a big step forward in the right direction. How Legislation is helping Did you know that all children, including those that have special needs, have a right to a quality after school program? These programs promote the philosophy of teamwork, inclusion and leadership. Although day care programs that accommodate special needs children are hard to find, the law provides for children with special needs to be accommodated in daycare. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that child care centers develop their programs so that children with disabilities can access them in the same way as abled ones. The ADA prohibits discrimination against children with disabilities and requires that after school programs provide reasonable accommodation for them unless it will significantly affect the operation of the program, or pose a threat to the child or others. In addition, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Federal law also gives special needs children the right to be educated alongside those without disabilities. This includes being able to access after school programs. What parents can do Finding a child care program that will take care of your child’s special needs can be difficult, but it is critical to make sure that you find the right program. Sometimes it may be impossible to find a program that is a good fit for your kid. In that case, the alternative is to find an experienced caregiver who is ready to learn and address the behavioral needs of your child. Talk to the staff No matter how the program seems to fit the attributes of your child, it is important to talk to the staff at the child care center because no two special needs children are the same. Informing them about very specific needs of your child helps to make the experience more enjoyable and successful for everyone. Consider sharing with the staff at the center if your child has an individualized education plan; however, you have the right to withhold any information regarding the diagnosis of your child. It is also worth noting that it has become increasingly difficult to find a facility that can manage your child if they have difficult-to-manage behaviors. Often times, when you fail to disclose as much information as possible to the caregivers, your child may be asked to leave the center without notice. This can be very devastating to the parents. The law may prohibit caregivers against any form of discrimination but failing to disclose vital information to the afterschool care center regarding your child special needs may come back to haunt you. In short, it is all about remaining honest about your child and providing a safe and stimulating environment for them to grow and learn in. You will definitely want a program that has the same attributes as those of your child. Ideally, you should look for one that is run by trained professionals who will know how to handle your child with personalized care and professionalism. Look for a program that offers a smaller environment with a structured child care program. Irrespective of their disabilities, special needs children need to learn, share and express themselves. Incorporating them in after school programs is a good way to help them do so. If you have questions about programs in Albany, please feel free to reach out to TSL Adventures. The Ideas Written About In This Blog Are Based On The Personal Opinions And Philosophies Of The Contributor Who Has Taught Elementary School For Twelve Years And Has Run A Recreational Childcare Business Since 2009. 7/11/2019 11:50:00 pm
I agree with you. After school programs are beneficial to kids. After a long tiring day at school, it is good to them to enjoy before the day ends. Thanks for the heads up. 7/17/2019 09:10:19 pm
The most important advantage of a good after school program is that it widens your child's area of interests. He or she is introduced to new things, sometimes interesting, sometimes challenging. Mastering a new art form or a new skill increases the child's self-esteem. It also allows you to introduce your child to new career options. A child attending a music class may decide that she likes it so much that she wants to make a career out of it in the long run. 8/1/2019 02:07:37 pm
I like that you said that childcare programs can help you with your special needs child by developing ways to help him learn, such as modify toys and playing equipment. My aunt has a special needs child. And she wants to find a school where they can help her take care of his learning development. I'm going to share this information with her so that she can consider a school care program for her child. Comments are closed.
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