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Signature Assignment

Miriam Sanchez

University of Massachusetts Global

ECED 301: Effective Supports for Children with Exceptional Needs and Their Families

Dr. Alise Paillard

December 19, 2021

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● Overall, what did you learn about children who have disabilities that you did not know

before? Please use multiple examples from your target child and citations from your text

and readings that support your statements.

What I learned about children with disabilities is that they should be included in

an inclusive classroom with typically developing children. They shouldn’t be excluded by

any means and have the same opportunities as children without special needs. I learned

the importance of inclusion. It is “about belonging, being valued, and having choices…

accepting and valuing human diversity and providing the necessary support so that all

children and their families can participate successfully in the program of their choice”

(Allen & Cowdery). The child I observed, Mylah, was in an inclusive classroom. She was

treated equally and was receiving support from her teachers. The teacher would make

sure that she’s able to participate in activities by having the toys and equipment easy to

reach, having her sit closer during circle time, and having an open area to encourage her

to walk.

● What did you learn about families who have children with disabilities that you did not

know before? As above, think first about families in general. Use your text to find

common beliefs. Use specific examples from the observation and interview to discuss

how your target child’s family fits or does not fit with the general assumptions?

○ I didn’t know that families who have children with disabilities have IFSP, IEP, or

the 504 plans. I actually never heard of it until I started taking this course. I also

learned that the parents are often the first to suspect a problem, “even if they are

unable to clearly specify its nature” (Allen & Cowdery). Mylah’s mother first
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suspected a problem when her daughter was 2 months old, her eyes would roll

back and only the white part of her eyes would show. Later on, she noticed that

Mylah was also not reaching her milestones.

● Discuss how your family observation and interview shaped, changed or validated your

view of families who have a child with a disability. Discuss your pre-existing beliefs. Did

your observation support or dispute your views? Use specific examples from your data to

support your statements.

○ The family observation and interview validated my view of families who have a

child with a disability. All children are capable to learn and it is up to us adults to

help them, to give them the support they need in order to succeed. I use to believe

that they can only get help from those who are professionals in the special

education field. Although, yes that’s part of it, but other adults play an important

role as well. They can help them by communicating with specialists and getting

feedback to help further their development, to support them. Mylah’s mom

participates in helping her daughter. She said she communicates with Mylah’s

therapist and takes notes on how to meet those goals at home.

● Discuss how your readings shaped, changed, or validated your view of families who have

a child with a disability. Discuss your pre-existing beliefs. Did your readings support or

dispute your views? Use specific citations from your reading to support your statements.

○ The readings have validated my views of families who have a child with a

disability. As mentioned above and previously in one of my discussions, they

should not be excluded because of their disability. They should be accepted and

respected regardless of their circumstances. They should be “supported in an

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appropriate manner that ensures that their needs are met” (Allen & Cowdery).

Children with disabilities should be getting the same education as children

without. All that is needed is accommodations and modifications so that they’re

able to do things to be successful.

● Discuss how your professional observation and interview shaped, changed or validated

your views of teaching children with a disability. Did you have pre-existing beliefs? Did

your observation support or dispute your views. Discuss how your readings shaped,

changed or validated your views of teaching children with a disability. Did you have

pre-existing beliefs? Did your readings support or dispute your views. Use specific

citations from your reading to support your statements.

○ My professional observation and interview shaped and changed my views of

teaching children with disabilities. Like I said before, before learning about

inclusion, I use to believe that the only way to help children with disabilities is to

have them attend a special education classroom. I thought since we don’t have the

knowledge, they should be placed in that classroom to be able to meet their needs.

But I was wrong. We can help children with disabilities by having adaptations and

modifications.

● How did your reading and assignments shape, change or validate your view of inclusion

(educating the child with a disability in their natural environment).

○ The readings has changed and validated my view of inclusions. As mentioned

previously, I thought children with disabilities should be separated from those

who are not so their needs can be met. But that is not what inclusion is all about.

Inclusion means “ children with special needs attend preschool, child care,
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recreational programs, and school with typically developing peers” (Allen &

Cowdery). In an inclusive setting, all children are accepted regardless of their

circumstances. They are accepted and supported in an appropriate manner (Allen

& Cowdery).

● How will you incorporate the information you learned from this class into your

professional practice.

○ I will incorporate the information I learned from this class into my professional

practice by having an inclusive classroom. After learning that children can learn

from being in an inclusive classroom, I will use the knowledge I have gained to

help them feel belonged and have their needs met. I will also communicate with

their families to get to know them and the child/children better, know their goals,

and how to meet them.

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References

Allen, K. Eileen & Glynnis E. Cowdery. (2015). The Exceptional Child: Inclusion in Early

Childhood Education. Cengage.