One of the most challenging aspects of teaching preschool is meeting each child where they are at. We wear a lot of hats in the classroom when teaching children with various:
- Behavioral needs
- Emotional needs
- Learning needs
I am sharing how to support neurodivergent learners in early childhood education. You can take your knowledge to the next level by enrolling in the college course, Teaching Students with Exceptionalities. Our partner, ChildCare Education Institute® (CCEI), and their parent company, StraighterLine offers early childhood professionals both professional development hours and college credits. This college course is perfect for early childhood educators looking for flexibility and convenience. StraighterLine offers college courses online that are self-paced and can be taken any time of the year. Read on as I share my tried and true tips about working with neurodivergent learners, along with some of the research-based information from this course.
Neurodiversity in Early Childhood Education
With a rise in the number of neurodivergent learners, it is important for early childhood professionals to learn how to best meet their needs.
“The term ‘neurodivergent’ describes people whose brain differences affect how their brain works. That means they have different strengths and challenges from people whose brains don’t have those differences. The possible differences include medical disorders, learning disabilities and other conditions.”
Cleveland Clinic
This can include people with conditions such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, Down syndrome, and more.
The preschool classroom is one of the best learning environments for neurodivergent children. They can explore through all of their senses and safely learn about their world. We have the flexibility to incorporate:
Get the best learning activities for 3-5 year olds at your fingertips
- Hands-on activities that are engaging for many types of learners
- Learning through lots of movement and outdoor time
- Time for free play and independent learning
- Low-stress environments with relaxing areas
- Sensory play activities in many parts of the classroom, both indoors and outdoors
There are also ways to be extra intentional and inclusive for neurodiversity in early childhood education. Some effective ways to set neurodivergent learners up for success include:
- Creating a sensory-friendly environment
- Implementing flexible teaching techniques
- Recommending help and services to families of neurodivergent learners
Create a Sensory-Friendly Environment
There are many ways to incorporate sensory activities in the classroom. Some children who desire sensory play and different textures are considered sensory seekers. However, children who avoid touching textures such as paint or “messy” materials are known as sensory avoiders. Noise levels should be considered since a loud classroom can be overwhelming. The amount of natural or artificial light can make a difference too. Some children are hypersensitive to LEDs and fluorescent lights.
Planning appropriate sensory activities helps keep neurodivergent children engaged and provides the stimulation their brains need. Keep these points in mind:
- Include sensory bins that allow children to learn through scooping, pouring, and mixing
- Include art projects that can be messy for sensory seekers and mess-free for children who are sensory-avoidant
- Have sensory bottles around the classroom that are used for play in dramatic play or reading areas
- Avoid classroom decor that has lots of bright red and bright yellow as those are overstimulating colors
- Use visual aids, such as charts and visual schedules
Implement Flexible Teaching Techniques
While each child has different needs, this is especially true for neurodivergent learners. At circle time, they may need to fidget with their hands or sit with their legs outward. Some may become fatigued easily or have constant energy. It’s important to be flexible and keep this quote in mind.
“Kids do well when they can, and when they can’t, it’s because they are delayed in the development of crucial cognitive skills.”
Ross Greene on Challenging Behaviors by Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities
The role of the early childhood teacher is to find ways to come to the child’s level and support their current skills and needs. This can be done in fun and engaging ways through:
- Songs and fingerplays
- Games that involve listening and following directions
- Going on adventures around the classroom
- Using puppets as a communication tool
- Adjusting the schedule when needed to make the needs of the children a priority
Getting Services for Neurodivergent Learners
By embracing neurodiversity and providing appropriate accommodations, educators can best meet the needs of neurodivergent learners. This requires a partnership with the families to get their child extra support. Supports that are set up in early childhood can be very valuable as they provide early intervention and follow the child into elementary school. Some of the most common therapies for children at the preschool age include services from a speech-language pathologist, occupational therapist, or physical therapist.
One of the most beneficial ways to support neurodivergent learners is through Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for children 3 and older and Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSP) for infants and toddlers. These are formalized plans that outline specific goals, accommodations, and support services for students with special needs. For neurodivergent learners, IEPs and IFSPs can play a crucial role in getting the child foundational support services.
“For infants and toddlers with disabilities, an individualized family service plan (IFSP) must be developed in one or more of the following areas: physical development, cognitive development, communication development, social or emotional development, and adaptive development.”
Students with Exceptionalities
Once a child is identified as potentially being able to have services, a screening should be scheduled. Children with severe disabilities are typically identified in the toddler or preschool years. However, many other children might not be eligible for an IEP until problems arise with learning later on.
Students with Exceptionalities Course
The Students with Exceptionalities course by StraighterLine provides a very comprehensive understanding that gives early childhood professionals confidence about how to best serve neurodivergent learners along with children who may qualify for special education.
Upon completion of the course, participants will have a strong understanding of:
- Special education processes and history
- Collaborating with the school and community
- Identifying and beginning understanding of how to teach students with learning disabilities
- Children with emotional and behavioral disorders
- Speech and language disorders
- The research on autism spectrum disorders
- The term “at risk” and the prevalence factors
- Children with ADHD along with the different types
- The history of gifted education
Head over to StraighterLine to learn more about enrolling in the Students with Exceptionalities course.
About StraighterLine
Thanks to ChildCare Education Institute and StraighterLine’s partnership, you can now seamlessly bridge the gap between your state-required professional development hours and a college degree. StraighterLine has five foundational early childhood education courses that easily transfer to more than 2,000 colleges and universities! Those courses are:
- Foundations of Early Childhood Education
- Early Childhood Development
- Teaching Students with Exceptionalities
- Classroom Management
- Language & Literacy
StraighterLine makes it possible to set yourself up for success with this flexible pathway.
· Courses are online and self-paced so you have the control to complete them on your schedule.
· Courses start at only $79 plus a $99 monthly membership fee. And you can start and stop when needed then pick back up right where you left off.
· StraighterLine courses include eTextbooks, 24/7 on-demand tutoring, live student support 7 days a week, and final exam proctoring.
· Continue on your degree path by earning as many credits as your school will accept from our 70+ general education courses.
· StraighterLine partners with 150+ accredited colleges and universities nationwide that guarantee credit transfer. An additional 3,000+ schools have accepted StraighterLine courses through the ACE CREDIT service.
Are you ready to earn college credits affordably and with the convenience of the online format? Register for Students with Exceptionalities to help meet your career goals.
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