| Just like typically developing children, children with | | | | necessary. Sometimes a child is only able to |
| special needs have strengths and weaknesses. Some | | | | participate partially. Research tells us that children |
| children may have a recognizable syndrome, for | | | | learn best in natural environments with typically |
| example, a child with Down syndrome or a child who | | | | developing peers. |
| wears a hearing aid. Other children may exhibit | | | | ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI) has added to its |
| delays, but may not have been diagnosed with a | | | | catalog of online professional development courses, |
| specific condition or syndrome. With time and | | | | SPN100: Inclusive Literacy Lessons, written by author |
| practice of skills, many seemingly delayed children will | | | | and consultant, Dr. Pam Schiller. Dr. Schiller is a |
| ultimately catch up in their development. Young | | | | freelance early childhood consultant and author who |
| children might be diagnosed as having a developmental | | | | shares her extensive knowledge in workshops, radio |
| delay because it is unknown if the child's condition will | | | | and television interviews, and as a popular keynote |
| be ongoing or if he or she will eventually develop at the | | | | speaker and author. She has published several |
| same rate as his or her peers. In other cases, children | | | | children's books, music CDs, DVDs, and more than |
| may be at risk for a special need because of their | | | | thirty teacher resource books. |
| environment or a chronic health condition, such as ear | | | | Learn more about helping children in need. Visit |
| infections or a depressed immune system. | | | | ChildCare Education Institute to discover over 100 |
| Regardless of the challenges children may face, all | | | | online child care training courses that meet the |
| children can learn and all children should be allowed to | | | | continuing education requirements of the child care |
| participate in everyday routines and activities to the | | | | industry. Register for a sample course and try online |
| best of their capabilities. Special adaptations may be | | | | learning today! |