Inclusion Parent Meeting Welcome! Ms. Larissa Ferretti, Ms. Olivia Wessol, Ms. AnnaMaria Smeraldi & Ms. Shavonne Long

What is Inclusion? “Supporting families and children, regardless of ability, to participate in a broad range of activities and contexts as full members of families, communities, and society.”

What is Inclusion? Learning together Providing supports Belonging Material supports Teacher support Belonging Opportunity to reach abilities Make friends Feel valued Part of community

Least Restrictive Environment Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) Students with disabilities should have the chance to be educated with their typically developing peers, whenever possible. Different for different students Evaluated regularly

Evidence Base Behind Inclusion Benefits Students with Disabilities More time on instruction More engaged More social Gain more knowledge Learn self-help skills Positive long-term outcomes (employment and independent living)

Evidence Base Behind Inclusion Benefits Typically Developing Students Accept differences Aware of others’ needs Helpful No difference in instructional time Ms. Shavonne will share more of these exciting benefits!

Inclusion is a way of thinking and living

What are the benefits of Inclusive Education?

1.Families’ visions of a typical life for their children can come true. All parents want their children to be accepted by their peers, have friends and lead carefree lives. Inclusive settings can make this vision a reality for many children with disabilities.

2.Children develop a positive understanding of themselves and others. Respect and understanding grows when children of different abilities and cultures play and learn together. When children attend classes that reflect the similarities and differences of people in the real world, they learn to appreciate diversity.

3.Positive Friendships develop. Children with and without disabilities learn with and from each other in inclusive classes. Schools are important places for children to develop friendships and learn social skills.

4. Children learn important academic skills. In inclusive classrooms, children with and without disabilities are expected to learn to read, write and do math. With higher expectations and good instruction children with disabilities learn academic skills.

4. Children learn important academic skills continued All students in the classroom will receive support from the general education teacher, the special education teacher and service providers such as speech, occupational and physical therapists . Some examples of how this would look during the school day are: - Physical and/or occupational therapist joining us during gym and playground time to teach a fun activity. - Speech therapist teaching students new songs and participating in classroom read aloud and independent reading activities. - On going team meetings to discuss the progress of the students and to brainstorm activities that are beneficial to all students.

5. All children learn by being together. Because the philosophy of inclusive education is aimed at helping all children learn, everyone in the class benefits. Children learn at their own pace and style within a nurturing learning environment.

NAEYC/DEC Position Statement Definition Access Learning Opportunities for all child Meets every child’s needs Participation All children will be able to participate in classroom Have necessary supports Ex. special chair for posture Supports Staff development Therapy in School Communication with Families

Recommendations High Expectations from every child both Special needs and typically developing Philosophy on inclusion Explained in this presentation tonight Principle of Natural Proportions 10-15% of class is made up of special needs students

Common Questions Answered Will children who are typically developing imitate behaviors? Will children be injured by them? Will child’s learning be hindered?

Will children who are typically developing imitate behaviors? It is possible, children do tend to imitate one another at this age We have tools to prevent undesirable behaviors First find the source Second use behavior plans to decrease and eventually eliminate the behavior Ex. Positive Reinforcement

Will children be injured by them? Special needs does not mean dangerous Children explore environment and are accident prone in general Two teachers leads to more supervision in the classroom

Will child’s learning be hindered? Typical students become More Tolerant More Caring More Understanding More willing to ask for help and help their peers Both Groups of students develop strong scoial relationships and reach great academic success

The Roles of Various Disciplines in the Inclusive Setting Inclusive teaching assumes a responsibility for acknowledging the multiple perspectives that are accepted in our discipline and to supporting students in using those different disciplines to develop and learn Promote collaborative approach to teaching

Multi-Disciplinary Approach The presence of multiple disciplines allows for a variety of ways to represent ideas so they are accessible to student from different backgrounds and allows them to express themselves in different ways.

Related Disciplines General Education Teacher Special Education Teacher Speech-Language Pathologists School Psychologists Physical Therapists Occupational Therapists Parents Community These disciplines have a vital role in supporting the education of students with disabilities in inclusive education environments.

What does it all mean? Generally, classrooms have been staffed by a lead teacher and maybe a para or teacher’s assistant Students now have more needs then ever, they need other types of professionals involved in order to gain best possible education Professionals work together in planning, development, and implementation **Note: never undermining lead teacher in the room, collaborative work!**

Advantages of including various disciplines the classroom Multi-disciplinary involves various professionals equally More focused, differentiated learning Relationships with students and families Unique combination of knowledge and experience

If you have any questions, please let us know! Thank you for joining us!