Strategies for Working with Children with Special Needs

Goal: to learn strategies to successfully work with children with special needs and adapt the classroom environment to accommodate their needs

Table of Contents:

1. Ground Rules
2. Observations
3. Interactions
4. Strategies
5. Legal/Ethical

Learning Objectives:

After completing this class, the student will be able to:

• list and explain five "Ground Rules" to keep in mind when you are working with a young child with special needs and/or challenging behavior
• discuss the importance of objectivity and the value of classroom observations to identify patterns that will help you decide how to support the child with special needs 
• list at least five specific strategies to tweak the classroom environment, daily schedule, and/or curriculum to better support meaningful learning and positive behavior
• articulate important legal and ethical considerations connected with working with young children, including, and especially, children with special needs and/or challenging behavior

NOTE: This course may reflect state-specific regulations. No information in this course supersedes any state regulations you need to follow. You must consult your state’s regulations when developing policies and procedures. Regulations for all states are accessible on the National Database of Child Care Licensing Regulations. Click on the link provided to view regulations in your state.