Special Needs & Inclusion Flashcards

What is a key difference between an IEP and an IFSP?

Answer: An IFSP is for children birth to age 3 and includes family goals; an IEP is for children ages 3 and up and focuses on the child's educational needs

The IFSP serves children birth to 3 and is family-centered, while the IEP serves children ages 3 and older and is focused on the child's educational goals.

Which instructional approach uses typically developing peers to model skills and support learning for children with special needs?

Answer: Peer-mediated instruction

Peer-mediated instruction involves typically developing peers in structured activities that help children with disabilities develop social and academic skills through natural interactions.

What is sensory processing disorder, and how might it appear in a childcare setting?

Answer: A condition in which the brain has difficulty interpreting sensory input, causing children to be over- or under-responsive to stimuli

Sensory processing disorder involves difficulty organizing and responding to sensory information, which may cause a child to be overly sensitive to noise or touch, or to seek out intense sensory input.

What is the most appropriate childcare provider response when a child with Down syndrome struggles to complete a fine motor task?

Answer: Offer targeted support and break the task into smaller steps while allowing the child to attempt each step

Breaking tasks into smaller steps and providing targeted support respects the child's effort, builds skills, and promotes as much independence as possible.

What does 'transition planning' refer to when a child with disabilities is moving from early intervention (Part C) to preschool services (Part B)?

Answer: A required process to prepare the child and family for the shift to new services by age 3

Transition planning is a required IDEA process that begins before a child's third birthday to ensure a smooth, coordinated move from Part C early intervention to Part B preschool special education services.

Which assistive technology device helps a non-verbal child with a disability communicate in a childcare setting?

Answer: Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device

AAC devices—ranging from picture boards to speech-generating devices—give non-verbal children a way to express wants, needs, and ideas.

What is the most appropriate role of a childcare provider during an IEP meeting for a child in their care?

Answer: To share observations about the child's daily functioning, strengths, and challenges in the childcare environment

Childcare providers contribute valuable real-world observations about a child's behavior, strengths, and needs in everyday settings, making them important collaborative members of the IEP team.