Directions:

Initial Post: When making accommodations for children with exceptional needs, concern can arise as to whether the accommodations and adaptations are “fair” for the other children in the setting and that instead everything should be “equal.” Knowing what you know now about supporting children and families with exceptional needs, what are your thoughts on “fair” or “equal”? Has your perspective changed since beginning this course? If yes, what has changed? If not, why do you think this is?

Reply Posts: Politely debate with your at least two of your peers based on their perspective. As this is a concern, which can come up in conversation with families or colleagues, be sure to treat this as a professional conversation by asking questions and being open-minded.:

1. Fair – Children are used to change and adaption to change , we have change everyday and all year , in order for some children to to get around or learn there has to be change , this does not mean any of the other children are less important as they will still be getting the education they need and care it means there is a student or students who need a little extra help in the classroom and thats ok . In order for a child to learn no everyone is the same starts with not hidding that there are people who have challenges in all areas and some kids stuggle in certain areas and that is ok to.

My view has always been that in order to have a inclusive classroom you much account for all the children in your care , and as a ECE you are always changing and making appropriate changes to help the child learn.

2. I don’t think my perspective has changed, but I do think my understanding has evolved much more. I support children with exceptional needs having fair treatment with accommodations in comparison to equal treatment. Educators are taught to accommodate and learn about their students and families. Every family AND child is different. In my opinion, it’s just as important as race and/ or culture. Would it be fair to not accommodate diverse children? Accommodation does not justify that a child is more important than another. It shows where there could be more assistance, what areas are challenging, and what plans could be useful for developmental growth. However, I do think accommodations have been handed out like candy, but I think it could have to do with teaching shortages with a large amount of students. With that being said, if all children were treated equally, they would not be developing at a grade-level pace without an accommodation of some sort.