4 Reasons Why Schools That Focus On Children With Special Needs Can Benefit All Children

When you read about inclusive early education programs, it is likely that you will read about the many benefits that children with special needs gain from being in a classroom with typically developing children. If you are the parent of a typically developing child, you may wonder whether an inclusive classroom has benefits for your child as well. You may be concerned that your typically developing child may not get as many opportunities for advancement in an inclusive class, but there are actually four important benefits that typically developing children can access when they are in an inclusive environment with children with special needs. 

Before understanding the benefits for your child, it is important to know exactly what an inclusive classroom is. An inclusive classroom includes children with a variety of physical, emotional, social, and mental abilities. Depending on each child's specific needs, some children may have occasional or full-time one-on-one assistance from an aide while other children may not. The teachers in these classes traditionally have extensive training and practice teaching children with special needs and typically developing children. 

Early Detection of Possible Issues in Typically Developing Children 

While many disabilities are detected within the first few months of life, there are other disabilities, such as learning disabilities, ADHD, or Oppositional Defiant Disorder, that are difficult to diagnose before a child enters a formal learning environment. Unfortunately, many children with learning disabilities or social disorders are simply labeled as difficult children during the early educational years. 

In an inclusive classroom, it is more likely that your child's teacher will have experience with a wide range of disabilities. They may recognize issues earlier than a teacher who does not have as much experience with special needs, and your child may benefit from early intervention. 

Exposure to a Wide Variety of People 

Typically developing people often feel awkward or insecure around people with differing ability-levels. If your child is exposed to children with varying ability levels from a young age, they will grow up knowing how to behave with empathy and understanding towards all people. This can help your child throughout their education and adult life as they interact and work with people with different abilities. 

A Chance to Teach Others the Skills They Have Mastered

One reason you should not be concerned about your child's academic achievement in an inclusive classroom is because children learn best by helping other children learn. Once a child has mastered a skill, they would ideally have the opportunity to teach another child the skill they have learned. Teaching allows them to develop a deeper understanding of the skills they know. In an inclusive class, there will be more opportunities for typically developing children to act as mentors and share their knowledge as they learn. 

Inclusive Classrooms Tend to Have More Choices and Activities 

Because an inclusive classroom has to accommodate several ability levels, it is common for teachers to offer a variety of activities to children and encourage children to learn at their own pace. This can benefit typically developing children by allowing them to choose activities that they are interested in throughout the day. This type of focus on the child's desires can foster a love of learning and the educational environment in your child. 

While there are many ways that children with special needs benefit from an inclusive classroom, there are also many benefits for typically developing children. If you are the parent of a typically developing child, you should consider whether your child would benefit from an inclusive classroom or an inclusive school setting when you are looking for early childcare programs. For more information, you may want to contact Montessori schools and other inclusive programs in your area.