Renatta M Cooper (“The Passion for Early Childhood”) can be quoted as saying “I found that working intently, with children and families, was almost like earning a doctorate, because every year there was always a specific challenge, and I was in charge. I had to meet it.” She went on to say that she had to meet the challenge for herself, for herself, and for the families.
The challenge of including a special needs child into a child care setting is one that I welcome! Many child cares, although legally required to provide care without bias or prejudice, reject such children.
About ten years ago, a mother set up an interview for a spot at my day care. She did not bring her child with her. She interviewed me, walked through the daycare, and asked all the right questions. She then asked if we had an opening, and completed the required paper work. Then, this woman tearfully apologized to me! She mentioned that she had checked every other child care in the area, and that we were her last hope. Therefore, she waited to mention that her one year old son had severe Cerebral Palsy. She waited to see if we would take him, if we had openings, before she mentioned his special needs. When I told her that the process was unnecessary, that I would have taken on the challenge of providing her son child care even if I had known of his special needs, she broke down, cried, and then hugged me! I enjoyed taking care of her son, and to this day receive occasional visits from him.
Ann P. Turnbull states [1]“For us, the bottom line in an agenda for change for inclusion is that every single person in the early childhood field – regardless of particular role – holds himself or herself to the standard of being helpful in advancing positive inclusion outcomes for young children and their families. By so doing, we replace the names of Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody with our own names as members of a national field and as members of learning communities at the ground level in our locales.”
Why are so many child care providers finding excuses not to accept special needs children? Why are they letting Somebody else accept the challenge?
[1] Turnbull, H. R. and Turnbull, Ann P. (2000 October). Reactions from the Field – Accountability: Whose Job is it, Anyway?. Retrieved from Journal of Early Intervention. http://jei.sagepub.com/content/23/4.toc
It is so unfortunate that so many child care providers do not realize that children with special needs are protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Since a child care (even one in a private home) is a public entity, a child with special needs can only be excluded from care if it can be proven that the care would be an undue burdeon (as defined in the law). Just an assumption that "we cannot provide care" is not enough.
ReplyDeleteNot only the people who want to take on the challenge are responsible for the challenge, we all are. This child was fortunate to have you but what about all the other children who miss their opportunity for a Mary in their lives.
I love how poetically Ann Turnbull states the importance of inclusion and how we should all become the Somebody to help. I agree completely with what you has to say. Unfortunately so many people feel it is a "burden" or more likely are afraid because they don't know what to do. Working with the parents you learn what to do and how to help that child. It doesn't take anything extra from you to love a child whether they have a special need or not, love is free and so is acceptance.
ReplyDeleteWhat a challenge Ann Turnbull has laid out for those the the early childhood field! . . . not to be an "Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, or Nobody" . . . to stand up and do something, to make our voice heard and to be an advocate rather than passing the buck or shrugging it off with no care or connection. Your passions and perspectives are challenging me as well, Mary. Thank you for sharing your stories week after week!
ReplyDeleteYour story of the special needs little boy brought back memories. My mom took a special needs little girl into the daycare center. I thought my mom was crazy to do something like that. I felt we were not set up for a special needs child. But, to this day I glad she did that little girl touched our lives in so many ways. She is no longer with us but her memory will live on. Thank Mary, for helping me remember such a wonderful time!!!
ReplyDeleteTonetta B. Marion
Renatta is rigth when she says it feels as if you are earning a degree working with children although I havent been in the field long I truly can say I learn something new daily from my children Although I am literally earning a degree at Walden my children makes me feel as if Im getting a Double Major***What a journey but I am truly enjoying the steps along the way.
ReplyDeleteMary - I am glad that you are bringing your passion regarding inclusion to your early childhood studies. I am also glad that you are sharing your passion for inclusion with us. I have been so passionate about inclusion as it pertains to people of color, I don't believe I have put much thought into inclusion of others with varying intellectual and physical abilities. What your sister went through breaks my heart. Thank you for sharing the Turnbull quote. Please continue to share what you learn about inclusion. As you learn, we learn too!
ReplyDeleteHi Mary! I am posting a comment to reference your Course Resources -- could not find a way to post a comment directly to that area, so I am putting it at the end of last week's post!
ReplyDeleteI looking around at the Better Kid Care web site that you have at the top of your resources list. That is a rich resource to have! I love the relevent topics and helps that are made available through Penn State.Their goall
to improve the availability, accessibility and quality of child care is impressive. Thanks for sharing this great resource for ECE! Do you live and have your child care center in PA?
Cynthia,
ReplyDeleteYes, I have had a group child care home for 25 years, located near Harrisburg, PA. It is situated in a country setting. We use the Better Kid Care website for many required trainings, as well as for a resource.
Mary L.
Thanks for the new resources. I liked the Better Kid Care site. I found under parent information: 101 snack ideas. I do a lot of cooking with my pre-k kids and at home so this was a great addition to my resources. I also reviews the PA site you listed PACCA I was interested to see what you guys have going on there. I am from TN a little ways from you. We've been able to experience a little bit of your weather this winter and I must admit I'm lovin' the snow days. If you would like to see a little bit about TN pre-k you can go to www.prekfortn.com
ReplyDeleteThanks for the resources.