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Inclusive Early Childhood Environments

for Children with Special Needs

This dynamic workshop will include easy-to-implement options for setting up an inclusive early childhood classroom that will benefit children with special needs as well as those who are typically developing. We will review the physical, sensory, as well as social & emotional learning concepts for children with special needs.

Novice and seasoned teachers will be able to immediately implement activities and strategies to create a more successful learning environment that is inclusive for all children. 

Webinar:

Inclusive Early Childhood Environments for Children with Special Needs



Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2023

3:00 - 4:00 p.m. PT

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Learning Outcomes

1. Review best practices for inclusion and universal design.
2. Discuss common learning, social, and physical needs of a variety of disabilities including Autism, ADHD, Down Syndrome and more.
3. Identify at least two strategies that can be implemented in your classroom to create a more successful learning environment that is inclusive for all children.

Your Presenters

Cecilia Cruse, MS. OTR, received her BS degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Florida, and her master’s degree in Education from Georgia State University. She has over 30 years’ experience in pediatrics with school-based services (including pre-school and Head Start programs) acute care and outpatient pediatric settings. Cecilia is currently the Subject Matter Expert for Abilitations/ School Specialty Special Needs Division. She also lectures nationwide on practical sensory and inclusive solutions for educators and therapists. 

Jennifer Fernandez, MA, has over 30 years of experience in education. She holds a BA in Elementary Education and Spanish and a MA in Bilingual Education. She has taught PreK4-2nd grade in general and bilingual settings. She was also a professional learning specialist for PreK4SA in San Antonio, TX, coaching and providing professional development opportunities for early childhood educators throughout the city. Jennifer is currently the Early Childhood Subject Matter Expert at School Specialty and continues to provide professional development throughout the U.S.

Gary Tanner has been providing beneficial services and solutions to educators for over 25 years. As the Senior Category Manager for School Specialty, he has consulted and partnered with the CDE and multiple LEA’s, Counties, Districts, and Head Start organizations to support the IEEEP (Pre-K inclusion grant), and actively engaged with Head Start CA to help focus on ways to provide partnership solutions and resources to their members. Gary has managed several large projects which supplied more than 90 new inclusive classrooms and sensory rooms in California in 2022.