Children with special needs rely on you to be their best advocate. If your child or student has special needs, it's important to understand their diagnosis and help them through early intervention services, special education services, and with an understanding of local, state, and federal laws. Parents, guardians, and teachers should also strive to help support each child's growth, development, and well-being so they can grow into becoming their best possible selves!
Every Child Belongs: Welcoming a Child with a Disability - For younger kids, especially those who have never been to school before, it will take extra time to grasp concepts and fall into a routine. Here are a few ways teachers can help bridge the gap!
Services for Children with Disabilities - Parents are their kids' biggest advocates and it's important to know the best ways to advocate for their growth, development, and well-being.
How to Help Children with Disabilities - UNICEF has created parenting master class videos designed to help parents whose children have disabilities by offering tips and information to help them support their children and motivate them to reach their fullest potential.
Games and Activities for Children with Special Needs and Autism - Kids benefit from play. In fact, play is considered a basic right for every child. These activities are great for learning problem-solving, building self-esteem, and improving motor skills.
How Teachers can Help Students with Special Needs Navigate Distance Learning - Distance learning is hard for most kids, but especially hard for kids with special needs. Here are a few ways teachers can help students with disabilities learn electronically.
Special Education: Getting Help for Your Child - Many kids qualify for extra help and support in school if they're impacted by a physical, cognitive, behavioral, or emotional condition. Understanding what you need to do to get them started in that program is critical.
Working with Families of Children with Special Needs - This is a great lesson for parents of preschoolers with special needs to understand effective collaboration with professionals and other families, as well as on the roles and responsibilities necessary for caring for children with special needs.
Extracurricular Activities for Kids with Special Needs - Extracurricular activities are important! So find activities to play to your kid's strengths to help them build confidence, make new friends, and find new special interests.
Parenting Children with Special Needs - Parents and caregivers of children with special needs face unique challenges. It's important to understand what those may be so it's easier to face them head-on when they come up.
If Your Child has a Special Need - Loving and nurturing your child is the most important thing, and the best way to help nurture their growth is by getting support early.
School Services for Children with Special Needs: Know Your Rights - Knowing the laws surrounding special education and what you can do to make sure your kids get the help they need and are entitled to can be beneficial for supporting your kids on their educational journey.
Activities and Ideas for Learning at Home (PDF) - Structure is important for kids and parents alike and designating certain days for certain activities can be a great way to offer a routine while also having fun!
Helping Your Special Needs Child - Reading Rockets offers some helpful tips for parents with special needs so you can make sure you can help your child succeed.
Positive, Proactive Approaches to Supporting Children with Disabilities (PDF) - This detailed guide contains information for teachers and schools with special needs students to help them grow and succeed.
Support for Children with Special Needs - The Maryland Family Network hosts podcasts for childcare professionals including several offering support for parents and childcare professionals working with special needs children.
Supporting the Emotional Needs of Kids with Learning Disabilities - This page includes details and tips for spotting signs of low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression in kids with learning disabilities and how parents and teachers can help them.
Fun and Socializing: Activities for Special Needs Kids - Play is a basic right; here are some simple and fun activities that also get kids socializing with other kids their own age!
Teaching Strategies for Students with Special Needs - Special education is free in the public education system to ensure students with learning disabilities receive the instruction they need to meet their unique needs and goals. This page offers several tips and strategies for teachers to help meet those needs.
Coping with Crisis: Helping Children with Special Needs (PDF) - Children with special needs may react differently when a crisis occurs at school, in the community, or at home. It's important to address their emotions appropriately depending on the child's development and emotional maturity.
Cooperative Games for Children with Special Needs - Games are a great way for kids to learn cooperative behavior and social skills. These are a few great playground games kids can play to collaborate and communicate with others.
Find more about the author: Kim Hart