Essentials (NAEYC)

Create an inclusive environment that promotes the success of all young learners Every year, the number of children with developmental delays or disabilities in early childhood programs and classrooms is increasing. What do you need to know to support them? This guide is filled with practical information that will help educators who work with children ages birth through 8 teach children with disabilities alongside their peers. Learn the essentials of what you need to know: • » What developmental delays and disabilities are • » How special education laws apply to you and your program or school • » The process of referral, assessment, IFSP/IEP development, and service delivery • » Which supports and interventions can help children be successful socially and academically • » How to work with families, special education professionals, and the medical community • » Information about specific disabilities, including speech and language impairments, autism spectrum disorder, physical disabilities, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder All children thrive in high-quality programs that recognize and support their individual strengths, interests, and needs. Use the information in this book to help children meet their potential.

This book is for early childhood educators who work or will work with the growing number of dual language learners, within the age range of three to five in family home centers, private preschool centers, Head Start classrooms, or state funded preschool and kindergarten programs. General education teachers, bilingual teachers, English as a second language teachers, and special education specialists will find the information useful. Instructional leaders, such as program directors and administrators, who work with children in preschool and kindergarten, will also find the information beneficial as they develop partnerships with families and colleagues. This book answers the question what do early childhood educators need to understand to better address the linguistic, cognitive, and socio-emotional needs of all DLLs in their classrooms? The majority of the teachers in dual language programs with Spanish and English-dominant speakers learn academic content in two languages. It is through this lens that the authors have approached the writing of this text. There are however, over 350 languages spoken within the U.S (U.S. Census, 2015). This means emergent bilingual children come from a variety of cultural and linguistic backgrounds. While teachers cannot be expected to teach in all languages, the basic principles of this book help teachers gain a richer understanding of the interdependent relationship among culture, language, and learning. With this understanding, teachers can implement intentional practices that nurture children's bilingual identities and augment their growth in all developmental domains through the concepts and strategies presented in this text.

Basic, practical information for your family child care program Family child care homes are a vital part of child care, serving nearly 3 million children in the United States. This book lays the groundwork family child care providers need to run a successful program in a warm, welcoming setting for children and their families. Find out more about how to - Develop and manage a well-organized family child care program - Nurture children's learning and development in multiage groups - Intentionally use positive guidance and encourage healthy social interactions - Foster strong partnerships with families - Balance your personal and professional needs Expand your knowledge and skills with the guidance in this resource to effectively offer the highest quality early care and education to children ages birth through 8.