What is Early Childhood Special Education?
Most often, early childhood refers to the time between birth and age five. This time in a child’s life is critical to their cognitive growth due to the brain’s rapid development during the first few years of life.
Since the brain is most impressionable during this time, early childhood special education and early intervention methods are crucial due to their ability to change a child’s developmental path for their entire lifetime.
What Does Early Childhood Special Education Entail?
People often overlook the importance of early childhood education, but it’s one of the most critical aspects of education that a child receives—regardless of ability. But special needs children require additional expertise in helping them develop life, social, and gross motor skills.
Early childhood special education specialists go through extensive training and certification programs to provide learning experiences to special needs children, including those with multiple disabilities (MD), physical disabilities, intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and down syndrome.
The Four Goals of Early Childhood Special Education
Intellectual Development
Cognitive or intellectual development is one of the biggest goals of early childhood special education. This deals with strengthening and growing a child’s ability to think, reason, and understand concepts.
Physical Development
Some special needs children struggle to develop fine or gross motor skills at the same rate as other children. Early childhood special education aims to assist in developing a child’s strength, balance, and coordination.
Emotional Development
It’s not called the terrible twos for nothing! Toddlers tend to experience rapid and intense mood swings. Early childhood educators aim to help children regulate their emotions and self-soothe during emotional outbursts.
Social Development
Another fundamental aspect of a child’s overall development is social development. This refers to a child’s ability to interact with peers, foster friendships, and strengthen communication skills. Special education teaches children how to navigate these interpersonal relationships with conflict management.
How The Deron School Can Help
Since 1967, The Deron School has offered a state-approved private school program and services tailored to your child’s needs. If you believe that your child would benefit from our wide array of resources and services, don’t hesitate to reach out to our leadership team with any admission inquiries.