Date of Award
1-1-1992
Document Type
Dissertation - NSU Access Only
Degree Name
Doctor of Education
Department
Child and Youth Care Administration
Advisor
Roberta Schomburg
Keywords
Administration, Attitude, Early Childhood, Inclusion, Integration, Kindergarten, Mainstream, Parents, Public Schools, Special Education, Socialization, Staff Development, System Change, Teachers, Team Collaboration.
Abstract
This practicum was aimed to increase the opportunities for integrating preschool special needs children in a public school early childhood center Expected outcomes were the preschool special needs children would have an increase in integration opportunities teachers/staff would have a positive attitude toward integration special needs children and the special needs children would show an increase in the amount of social interaction and in positive behavior changes. Systems changes and team collaboration were utilized to address the four literature identified target groups of administration staff parents and children to help in insuring successful integration. A staff attitude survey staff development parent materials and pilots were part of the process. Data was collected through the survey and structured interviews. Outcomes of this practicum were positive. The goal of increased opportunities was met and all expected outcomes were reached. The chosen setting is committed to the integration of special needs children. The practicum provided a structure and a process for immediate and long range changes in the programming for young children.