As we enter IEP season, summarizing a year’s worth of data from multiple sources for each child’s present level of performance can feel daunting. It does, however, offer a key opportunity to utilize the Child Outcome Summary (COS) process as an efficient method of organizing and reviewing data on child progress. While COS forms are… Read More Organizing Data for IEP Development
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What to Say When They Play
Differing perspectives on the role of the teacher during play have resulted in a source of concern known as the “early childhood error” (Bredekamp & Rosegrant, 1992). The early childhood error is committed when educators prepare an appropriate, stimulating environment for young children but then stand back and fail to follow up with guidance, “scaffolding,”… Read More What to Say When They Play
New DEC Recommended Practices Resources
The Division for Early Childhood’s Recommended Practices (revised 2014) were developed to provide guidance to practitioners and families about the most effective ways to improve the learning outcomes and promote the development of young children, birth through age 5, who have or are at-risk for developmental delays or disabilities. New resources are now available to promote… Read More New DEC Recommended Practices Resources
Child Outcomes Summary Forms
With IEP season also comes the opportunity to revisit COS forms, including completing Time 2 data for those students transitioning to kindergarten or exiting special education. As teams summarize information on student progress to include on the COS form, it is helpful to remember: -Each outcome should reflect a student’s level of functioning across… Read More Child Outcomes Summary Forms
Math in Preschool: Powered by Play
Children with disabilities have been shown to have low rates of engagement during group activities and higher rates during routines (i.e., meal time) and free play (Kemp, Kishida, Carter, & Sweller, 2013). When planning instruction, it is important to find balance between teacher-directed and child- directed activities. Research Engagement is a necessary prerequisite for… Read More Math in Preschool: Powered by Play
Encouraging Writing in Early Childhood
One approach that is simple to implement and inclusive of children with and without disabilities is called Big Paper. Big Paper involves seating small groups of children around a large piece of bulletin board or butcher paper that is placed across a table or on the floor. Research Learning to write is a complex… Read More Encouraging Writing in Early Childhood
Achieving Positive Outcomes through Meaningful Instruction
Developing children’s interests during the preschool years is particularly important so that they learn to extend their ability to focus and maintain attention at an early age. Planning for children to spend sustained time with focused content and prioritizing the quality of learning experiences over the quantity of topics covered, is recognized as a developmentally… Read More Achieving Positive Outcomes through Meaningful Instruction
