During the two weeks that I spent observing and interacting with professionals in an early childhood setting, I gained more knowledge on how to help children with learning disabilities succeed. I interviewed Blanca Contreras, a Social Worker in an Early Childhood setting. Contreras shared that learning disabilities are hard for both parent and child; since both are unaware of what a learning disability is and what help they can both receive and give. However, I have been particularly interested in what she said, that “children are still able to learn.” I am especially interested in her statement because it is exactly how I feel. I feel that many times, parents lose hope and feel frustrated. However, a learning disability only means that a child needs more time and more attention. It is absolutely crucial that an educator pays special attention to those students with learning disabilities. Although it is difficult to diagnose children with learning disabilities in an early childhood setting, it has been done before. It is imperative that if a child portrays these signs, that the teacher recognizes them and refers them to further resources and evaluations. A teacher shouldn’t disregard the signs simply because it is felt that children do not have learning disabilities at a young age.
I also spoke to another Early Childhood Educator, and this was Annabelle Irizarry, from Joyful Noise Christian Daycare.Irizarry pointed out that when working with students with learning disabilities, it is important that one refers a student to the School Counselor or Social Worker in order to put together an Individual Education Plan (IEP). She stressed the fact that it is imperative to find help and resources as early as possible. These can be in the community or elsewhere Irizarry also spoke about advocacy and learning disabilities, and how important it is to provide families with pamphlets, community resources, and referrals.
Concerning my question about how to address and treat a child with learning disabilities in a working class setting, both professionals suggested that the children be required to do the same work as their peers. However, they suggested adjusting the lesson plan into one that includes visual, hands-on, and verbal activities for all. They also specified that children with learning disabilities should be paid special attention and further worked with individually.
I think you have a lot of really good points, Maria. I wonder if a learning disability means that a person learns more slowly or if a person learns differently. It seems like we make assumptions about a person with disabilities being slower or less able than a typical person.
ReplyDeleteI prefer to use the politically correct term, "differently abled" rather than "disabled". It might be that a person with a learning disability could need more time but just might need help viewing things in a different way.
Marsha, I am in full agreement with you. I feel that the misconception exists that children that are differently abled are slower or sometimes that they can't learn at all. However, that is not the case at all. Children that are differently abled require more attention and different teaching strategies. It is important for people to know that everyone else learns in their own way too, because we are all different. I apologize for the use of the word before; I was unaware of the politically correct term. Now that I do know it, I will add it to my vocabulary.
ReplyDeleteHi Maria
ReplyDeleteYour post is very interesting and informative. It is so good to know that the IDEA and other organizations have policies and regulations in place to ensure that all children, with a minor to severe disabilities, learn to their highest capabilities, their own way. Sometimes it may be a little hard for parents to accept the fact that their child might have a disability. It is up to teachers and other staff to speak to parents about their rights and responsibilities as the guardian. Even during difficult times, we must always remember that the best interest of the child is our first priority.
Deborah Ingram