Thank you to the California Childcare Health Program for allowing us to use excerpts from their publication, Including Children with Special Needs: Tips for Child Care Providers.

• Developmental Delays
• Speech and Language Delays
• Visual Disabilities
• Physical/Neurological Issues
• Deaf or Hard of Hearing
• Social/Emotional/Behavioral Issues
• All Disabilities

Tips for Including Children with Special Needs in Child Care Settings

Developmental Delays

• Teach in small steps.
• Give clear directions and speak slowly and clearly.
• Move the child physically through the task.
• Stand or sit near the child so you can help when needed.
• Prepare children for transitions by giving them plenty of warning before changing activities.
• Establish routines and be consistent. Top

Speech and Language Delays

• Be a good listener and observer.
• Talk about what you or the child is doing as you do it.
• Use activities such as singing songs, reading books and dramatic play to encourage langauge development.
• Repeat what the child says and add missing words; ask the child to repeat what you are saying.
• Give directions using as few, simple words as possible and in complete sentences.
• Praise the child's efforts at communicating even if he/she doesn't do it exactly right. Top

Visual Disabilities

• Use lots of communication during activities to help the child orient to the activity.
• Think of the physical space of the room and be wary of sharp edges and other potential hazards.
• Give specific directions and use descriptive language.
• Call children by their names, and address them directly, not through someone else.
• Display simple, clear, uncluttered pictures that are easy to see.
• Encourage hands-on and sensory experiences such as touching, holding, exploring, tasting, smelling, and manipulating. Top

Physical/Neurological Issues

• Consider the physical space. Are the pathways wide enough to accommodate walkers or wheelchairs?
• Ask any therapists involved with the child to show you proper positioning techniques and how to use and care for any special equipment.
• If you are having difficulties with positioning, feeding, etc., consult the child's family for suggestions about things that work at home.
• Give all staff opportunities to hold and position the child to ensure everyone is comfortable.
• Know the child's strengths and limitations. Support his/her independence when it is realistic, and assist the child with activities he/she may not be able to do alone.
• Help other children understand why "Lauren can't walk" and emphasize what Lauren can do.
• Try to put yourself in the child's shoes so that you can empathize and better understand the child's perspective.
• During outdoor play, schedule activities that a child with a disability can participate in, such as blowing bubbles, flying kites, etc. Top

Deaf or Hard of Hearing Children

• Ask the child's family how to use and care for hearing aids or other special equipment.
• Be sure you have the child's attention before giving instructions.
• Use visual cues such as pictures or gestures as you talk.
• If the child uses sign language, learn some simple sign language symbols.
• Speak in full sentences, at normal speed and volume, to the child's face - and smile.
• If the child doesn't understand at first, rephrase your comment rather than repeating it.
• Provide opportunities for the child to talk. Top

Social/Emotional/Behavioral Issues

• Try not to change activities abruptly. Warn the child of any changes ahead of time.
• Provide routine and structure for the child, using cues such as timers, bells and lights.
• Seat the child close to you, offering occasional physical and verbal reassurances and encouragement.
• Allow the child to have a safe emotional outlet for anger, fear or frustration.
• Let the child bring a familiar object when entering new situations or beginning a new activity.
• Allow the child to make choices and participate in the decision making process. Top

All Disabilities

• Build collaborative relationships with the parents in your program. Ask for input and suggestions, share expertise and remember that parents are often the best resource for their children!
• Work closely with other agencies that provide specialized services and that can act as a resource when concerns or questions arise.

The tips above are an excerpt from the California Childcare Health Program's publication Including Children with Special Needs: Tips for Child Care Providers". Visit their website at http://ucsfchildcarehealth.org/pdfs/healthandsafety/inclen081803.pdf to view their publications on children with special needs.