Accommodating Special Needs Children in After School Programs

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.
 
How Legislation is helping

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.
 
How can After School Programs accommodate Special Needs Children?

There is evidence that special needs children benefits significantly when they learn alongside abled children in any educational program.

• They improve in standardized tests and therefore their grades are better.
• School attendance is better and there is greater motivation to learn
• They master educational goals set for children.
• They improve in behavior and are therefore able to integrate socially.

 
Ways you can accommodate Special Needs Children.

• Be acquainted with the Law – Take some time to exam all aspects of the ADA and IDEA as they cover extensively how aftercare providers should accommodate special needs children.
• Let Parents Know about the Service – From the very beginning, include information on your brochure, website or other informational media about the service you provide.
• Train your Staff – Staff must be made aware of how to deal with children with disabilities. Caregivers should know how to adjust their programs to accommodate them to include them in activities with other children.  You may not need to look any further than some online courses and seminars that are often free and that your staff can learn how to effectively deal with special needs children.
• Teach Proper Etiquette – Sensitize both your staff and students in proper etiquette in dealing with persons with disabilities. This way you can deliver a more inclusive program where abled children will not focus on their differences. Therefore, teach them to talk directly to the disabled rather than to the assistant. Teach them to use the same language to special needs children as they would when communicating with others. Special needs children will feel a sense of worth, independence and the feeling that they are a part of the process.
• Design your Activities Appropriately - Although special needs kids will be included in the general ones for all children, consider their abilities while doing so. Do not over-provide assistance unless you are asked. You will probably need to adjust the programing schedule for them. Also, have a plan to handle possible crises if they should arise. Design activities with enough time for them to participate. In all of this, ensure that your expectations of them are clear and consistent.
• Get Parents and Families Involved – Who know better about their children than their families? Ensure that you have frequent channels of communication with parents to update them on their children’s progress. Parents will also be concerned about their children’s welfare in the program.
• Seek Help – Talk with community members and parents who very often have links to persons and resources that can help to develop your program for special needs children. At the same time, employ a technical assistant who can help you to plan how to include the children in your care.

 
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.