Ages and stages: addressing individual needs in an age-integrated childcare environment

In an age-integrated childcare environment, the issue of inclusion is very important. Here, you are dealing with children of different needs but of similar ages. So, specialized instruction and support is needed. According to the federal law, disabled children, too, have equal rights to access childcare facilities without being discriminated against. Therefore, even special needs children can access childcare facilities and enjoy the relationships they find there.
 
If done correctly, integration can be very crucial when it comes to developing relationships among special needs children and their peers. Childcare providers, as well as parents, play a critical role in ensuring this is achievable.
 
What are the advantages of integrated childcare?
 
There are many benefits, both for the parents, and for all of the different children.  Some of the benefits that can be derived from an integrated age environment include:

• Children with special needs can build relationship with other children
• Children with special needs can learn to observe and interact with others
• Children with special needs can learn vitals social skills such as team work and communications
• They can get exposed to a wide range of real-world challenges
• They get the opportunity to build lasting bonds with their teachers, parents and peers.
• They get an opportunity to learn at their pace.

 
An age-integrated childcare in Albany environment encourages children to benefit from the interaction with their peers. This leads to increased appreciation and empathy for others as well as prepares them for life as adults.

Teachers should work hard to provide good experiences when it comes to creating inclusive environments for special needs children. As such, it is only logical that only specialized teachers should be involved in this type of arrangement/program. With the support of parents and administrators, teachers can create great age interpreted groups with the purpose of offering integrated knowledge.