Children
Often Teach the Best Lessons
Inclusion means allowing children the same choices and opportunities
that everybody has, regardless of disability. Inclusion
works when parents and education professionals believe that
all children can learn. But sometimes the greatest lessons
are learned from the children themselves.
"Parents of children with delays are more nervous than other parents when it is time for their child to ‘move up.’ Via made the process easier for the child and parents feel more at ease.”
-Manager from one of Via's Inclusive Childcare Centers |
Via’s Inclusive Childcare curriculum includes “circle time. Children and teachers gather in a circle to sing, play games and have group question & answer. The group doesn’t sit on the floor but sits at eye level so children in wheelchairs can be included.
One day, during circle time, a mother and son came to the inclusive classroom for a tour. The little boy, about age 3-1/2, was uncomfortable and was hiding behind his mother’s legs. A typical little boy from the classroom walked over to the scared child and invited him to sit in the circle by offering his hand. The little boy introduced the newcomer to his friend, Shawn, who happened to be in a wheelchair. Shawn had a tracheotomy and neither his eyes nor his mouth close.
When they sat down together the little boy from the class said the newcomer, “Shawn can’t talk like us but I will tell you what he says when the teacher asks him something.” So the teacher asked Shawn a question and when he answered, the little boy interpreted, “That was yes. I’ll let you know when Shawn says no.”
This little boy illustrates the lesson of inclusion – learning to accept and appreciate people for who they are. Inclusion exists among children because in the eyes of a child, there is no disability.
“Since working with Via’s Inclusion Specialist, more of our activities are targeted to a wider range of age levels and developmental abilities. The program has made a positive difference in our center – acceptance and respect for each child and their abilities in art, play and learning is becoming the norm.”
- Manager from one of Via's Inclusive Childcare Centers |
A Mother’s Endorsement
A mother of two children in one of Via’s Inclusive Childcare centers called Via to talk about the strides her children have made because of the program. Her oldest child has low muscle tone and speech issues. The Inclusion Specialist has been a wonderful resource for her family and said the children in the center “just love her.”
The mother said the Inclusion Specialist is “always smiling” and on difficult days when she wonders if her daughter will be able to lead a “normal” life, she is her motivator. “Suzanne is always there with positive things to say and to point out the progress my daughter has made and the strides she has taken,” said the mother.
“It is nice to hear nice things said about my daughter and Suzanne should be given an angel pin to wear for the work that she does. Suzanne is a wonderful asset to Via’s program and we are lucky to have her.”
For more information, contact:
Marisa Nimtien, Director of Children's Services
m.nimtien@vianet.org
• 484-893-5379
