December 2017 Newsletter:
Creating Inclusive Environments
Creating Inclusive Environments
As early care and education providers, we strive each day to create environments in which children can learn and feel successful. We accomplish this through carefully choosing the materials, activities, and types of interactions present in the environment.   Learn More
The information contained in the links below was adapted from the
These recommendations are researched based and can be
implemented in all environments.
Environment and Interactions
Assessment and Instruction
Teaming, Collaboration, and Family
Director's Corner:
Leadership and Transition

Consider compiling some of this information into an
Inclusive Environments binder that can be accessed
by coworkers within your program!
Creating Inclusive Environments Poll Question
Where do you turn for information and resources related to creating inclusive environments?
A. There are organizations in my community that provide training and support
B. I turn to my mentor, director, or coworkers to get more information
C. Books, articles, and/or the internet
D. I can’t seem to find very many resources related to inclusive environments
It’s not always easy to find resources related to special needs and inclusive environments. This newsletter includes a number of links to resources that provide a great foundation for anyone seeking more information. 
Articles for Additional Learning
Ideas for Adapting Toys and Materials
Promoting participation in art activities:
  • Provide thicker crayons, chalk, pencils, and markers.
  • Stick markers into foam balls to make them easier to grasp.
  • Find paintbrushes with thick handles, ball handles, or adapt with a tennis ball.
  • Include adaptive scissors.

To help children with turning the pages of books:
  • Add clear puffy tape between the pages to make them easier to separate and turn.
  • Use Velcro and a tennis ball to help children grasp pages of sturdy books.
  • Extend popsicle sticks beyond the pages of a book that children can grasp as they turn.
Creating Successful Moments
To help children follow routines:
  • Break routines down into chunks or mini steps.
  • Illustrate the steps of daily routines - encourage children to check off each step of the routine after completion.
  • Write a social story that describes the steps of your specific routine; use the child as a character in the story; read it often!

To help children participate in whole group activities:
  • Seating options: allow the child to choose to sit on the floor or on a chair; ask the child to sit closer to you or in a seat with back support.
  • Provide a small fidget toy that the child can hold during the activity.
  • Evaluate the activity for developmental appropriateness – maybe it would work better as a small group activity; perhaps the activity is too long and needs to be broken into two sessions.
Did You Know?
Inclusive Schools Week
December 4-8, 2017

Since its inception in 2001, Inclusive Schools Week has celebrated the progress that schools have made in providing a supportive and quality education to an increasingly diverse student population, including students who are marginalized due to disability, gender, socio-economic status, cultural heritage, language preference and other factors. The Week also provides an important opportunity for educators, students and parents to discuss what else needs to be done in order to ensure that their schools continue to improve their ability to successfully educate all children. Learn more at www.inclusiveschools.org.

CCEI Related Course Offerings

CCEI offers the following nine courses related to working with children with special needs:

Beginner Level Courses

  • SPN105: Meeting the Requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act
  • CCEI968: Inclusion and Children with Special Needs
  • GUI105: The Role of Risk in Early Childhood
  • SPN101: Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • SPN102: Attention Deficit Disorders
  • SPN104: Making Sense of Sensory Processing

Intermediate Level Courses

  • SPN100: Inclusive Literacy Lessons
  • SPN103: Teaching Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • GUI104: Individualized Guidance, Instruction, and Support in Early Childhood Care and Education

Check each one out today by visiting CCEI's Course Catalog!
CCEI Blog
Aligning our Professional Values - Early Childhood Inclusion

Throughout your career, you have most likely been challenged to evaluate your beliefs and practices. This is an excellent practice; one that has hopefully helped you grow as a professional.One of the most common opportunities early childhood...

Read more
blog.cceionline.edu
Ready to Get Started? 
Take CCEI's No-Cost Trial Course Today!
CCEI offers CCEI968: Inclusion and Children with Special Needs as a  no-cost online child care training course to  new CCEI users December 1-31, 2017. 
 
This  is a one-hour, beginner-level course and grants 0.1 IACET CEU upon successful completion. CCEI professional development courses are available to account holders with an active, annual in dividual or center-based subscription, or can be purchased individually.
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