This important book is an exploration of the ways parents, teachers and academics view the development and schooling of young children with disabilities. It offers an in-depth examination of the common and critical issues that emerge as children and their families first enter the school system, navigate the educational landscape and learn to advocate for their rights. Each chapter of the book presents a parent’s perspective of significant issues, followed by a teacher’s perspective. From their stories, numerous themes are identified and connected to the academic literature. The experiences shared and the literature reviewed address the challenges, successes and opportunities for increased understanding that emerge as parents and educators work together toward a common goal. Sharing Perspectives for Educating Young Children with Disabilities is essential reading for all pre-service and in-service early childhood and special education professionals and parents engaging in the process of listening carefully to others with the aim of supporting the education of young children.

Preface

Chapter 1 -- Telling Stories as a Way to Share Perspectives

Part 1: A Mother’s Perspective

Part 2: A Teacher’s Perspective

Part 3: The Academic Perspective

Historical Overview of Special Education

Changes in Disability Classification Over the Years

Parent Roles in Development of Services

Disability, Civil Rights and Social Justice

Evolution of Partnerships and Collaboration

Professional Humility

What About Inclusion?

What Follows in This Book

References

Guiding Questions and Activities

Chapter 2 -- Wondering and Noticing

Part 1: A Mother’s Perspective

Part 2: A Teacher’s Perspective

Part 3: The Academic Perspective

The Purposes of Observation

Variations in Development

Racial Disparities in Classroom

Preschool Suspension/Expulsion and the School-to-Prison Pipeline

The Unintended Outcomes of Wondering and Noticing

References

Guiding Questions and Activities

Chapter 3 -- Putting the Pieces Together: Assessment, Evaluation and Diagnosis

Part 1: A Mother’s Perspective

Part 2: A Teacher’s Perspective

Part 3: The Academic Perspective

Developmental and Universal Screening

An Overview of Assessment

Types of Traditional Assessment

Biases and Issues with Traditional Tests

Authentic Assessment

Team Approaches to Assessment

Multidisciplinary Approach to Assessment

Interdisciplinary Approach to Assessment

Transdisciplinary Approach to Assessment

Additional Considerations and Planning for Assessment

References

Guiding Questions and Activities

Chapter 4 – Processes, Plans and Protections Under the Law: IFSP, IEP and Section 504

Part 1: A Mother’s Perspective

Part 2: A Teacher’s Perspective

Part 3: The Academic Perspective

Main Themes in the IDEA

IFSPs

504 Plans and RTI

IEPs

The IEP Process

The IEP Content

Alphabet Soup: PBS, FBAs and BIPs

Due Process

Creating Collaborative Teams within the IEP Process

References

Guiding Questions and Activities

Chapter 5 -- Collaborating to Implement Programs and Services

Part 1: A Mother’s Perspective

Part 2: A Teacher’s Perspective

Part 3: The Academic Perspective

Developing Collaborative Relationships

Collaboration in Early Intervention

Early Intervention Professional Standards and Dispositions

Access and Barriers to Early Intervention Services

Home-Based and Center-Based Services

Collaboration in the Classroom

Push-In and Pull-Out Services

Working with Paraprofessionals

General Education and Special Education Teachers Working Together

References

Guiding Questions and Activities

Chapter 6 -- Advocating

Part 1: A Mother’s Perspective

Part 2: A Teacher’s Perspective

Part 3: The Academic Perspective

Parents as Advocates

Professionals as Advocates

Teachers as Advocates and Partners with Families

Children as Self-Advocates and Self-Determined Beings

Self-Determination

Cultural Considerations within Self-Advocacy and Self-Determination

The Dignity of Risk

Points of Reflection

Rocking the Boat

Familial and Cultural Considerations in Advocacy

Why We (Still) Need to Advocate

References

Guiding Questions and Activities

Epilogue -- Final Thoughts and Moving Forward

Index