Special Ed Information for Teachers & Parents

Today’s classrooms are changing rapidly. An increasing number of identified students are educated within the mainstream school system. Laws governing the education of students, including those with disabilities, impact the funding of schools as well as what subjects are taught. Technological advances are often at war with shrinking school budgets, resulting in difficult budgetary choices that can seem at odds with governmental demands to raise educational standards. Indeed, parents, teachers and school communities face complex questions and issues regarding special education in the 21st century. Explore the wide and diverse arena of special education, from neurological disorders to gifted students, to learning disabilities, to physical impairments. There are articles on that cover the principals of IDEA (the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), FAPE (Free and Appropriate Education), and LRE (Least Restrictive Environment). There are modified lesson plans for teachers and advice and resources for parents on how to work with the school system to meet the educational needs of their child. All articles are written and vetted by experienced voices within the education system, including professors, special ed teachers and assistants, and parents of children with special needs. We look forward to working together to make this area a trusted source of information on the technology and issues that affect the future of our children.

Parenting a Gifted Child: Classroom Engagement

Does your child excel at school or in other areas? Learn how you can be certain that your gifted student’s needs are being met in the classroom.

The Role of Early Childhood Technical Assistance for Children with Disabilities

Children with communication disorders and/or other disabilities frequently do not perform at the same level as their same-aged peers. The rise of computer-based software use for children with disabilities has proven that children with disabilities can learn these skills.

Early Childhood Education: Providing Accessible Play Opportunities for Children with Physical Disabilities

For children with physical disabilities, exploring their environment through movement and play can be challenging. Creating an appropriate setting that provides access to materials and independence to explore and interact is essential to prevent learning deficiencies in all developmental domains.

Autism in Preschool and Kindergarten: Learn Strategies That Really Will Help

If a child you know has been diagnosed with autism, here are some helpful strategies that can help you set up an appropriate learning environment, aid with communication challenges, and encourage social interactions with peers.

Navigate Autism & Help Your Child Learn to Fly

As a developmental disorder, the difficulties associated with autism can grow and change across age. This makes it difficult for parents and teachers to know exactly which aspects to support or what to fight for. Learn some of the first steps you should take, and aids you may need on your journey.

Book Modifications Teachers Can Make for Children with Visual Impairments

How can teachers help children with visual challenges enjoy and explore early literacy using adapted materials? How can teachers make books and literature come alive for children who cannot see and cannot experience books in the same manner as a typically seeing child?

Incorporate Independent Study to Challenge Gifted Learners in the Elementary Classroom

Finding appropriate ways to challenge the gifted learner in the general classroom can be a daunting task. An independent study is the answer.

Art Activities for All: Adapting Art Projects, Materials and Methods for Students with Disabilities

Art is one way in which children experiment and explore the world around them. But what can we do as teachers to support the art experience for children with physical disabilities?

Young Children with Disabilities: How Play and Learning Skills are Affected

A disability or developmental delay can affect how a child plays, the kind of play the child engages in and the child’s ability to use play as a path to learning. A disability can include anything from communication issues to multiple limitations of movement and mobility.

6 Tips to Help Students with Special Needs Focus: Help Students with Learning Difficulties Stay on Task With These Six Proven Strategies

Students with ADHD and other learning disabilities often struggle to stay focused on the task at hand. Falling behind in just one class can have a detrimental affect on their learning all year. Here are six tips and strategies to help students maintain their focus.