Home » Articles on Demand » Enhancing the Environment for ALL Children




Enhancing the Environment for ALL Children

by Victoria Youcha and Karren Wood
March/April 1997
Access over 3,000 practical Exchange articles written by the top experts in the field through our online database. Join Today!

Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/enhancing-the-environment-for-all-children/5011445/

When we plan and construct environments for young children, we think about the physical environment, about how the children know what to do in the space, how they will move through that space, and about what activities and materials they will use. The environment should say "YES" to each child. It should invite all children to touch, explore, climb, and get involved.

Children with disabilities need the same things in their classroom environment as other children. They need an environment that is safe, secure, and provides activities and materials for their development. When a child with disabilities has different developmental needs than other children of the same age, adaptations must be made. These may require either adding something to the environment that is not already there or using something in the environment in a different way.

Before you make any adaptations, talk to the parents. They are your best source of information about the child, the special need, and modifications or special equipment. Find out about techniques they use at home. If the child receives special education services, ask if you may observe in that setting.

As you begin to adapt the classroom for children with disabilities, remember three key concepts: access, ...

Want to finish reading Enhancing the Environment for ALL Children?

You have access to 5 free articles.
or an account to access full article.