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Early Childhood Education
Provides one-on-one guidance for children from birth to three years of age with developmental delay to assist them with exploring their world. Through a variety of play activities using toys, environmental items, and household materials, children are encouraged to examine their surroundings utilizing all of their senses as they look, listen, touch, taste, smell and move with the whole body. Children with a developmental delay or physical impairment are often unable to use their bodies efficiently; which can greatly effect the learning process. If a physical impairment limits these actions, the Early Childhood Teacher can provide more possibilities for learning through play. A child trying to lift a large box learns that it is "big and heavy". Another child who is unable to lift that same box can explore "heavy" and "light", and "big and little" with the guidance of the teacher using hand-over-hand assistance to lift, feel, and compare objects. A child who can climb ON a chair or crawl UNDER a bed learns the meaning of those prepositional directions. The child who lacks motor planning can be lifted onto a sofa, or placed under a chair so that he/she can sense these positions. As often as possible real objects are used during teaching activities (i.e. food, clothing, animals, etc.) Direct handling of common household items gives the child information needed to understand size, shape, temperature, weight and texture. The Early Childhood Teacher uses therapeutic positioning and handling techniques that can facilitate cognitive learning. Many age-appropriate skills are established through the consistent routine of daily activities (eating, bathing, playing,dressing, etc.) Developmental concepts are presented in the context of the child's interests, strengths, and level of functioning. Children are encouraged to make choices; and are supported in their efforts to learn. The child's strengths/needs and likes/dislikes are considered when planning goals and activities. Parent training and support are integral to the program.
click here to read Early Childhood Education Therapists Bios |
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