National Network for Child Care's Connections Newsletter
Darla Binkley
Extension Educator
Youth Development
University of Illinois Cooperative Extension
Nathan is a seven-year-old with Williams Syndrome. He is a very
outgoing and polite TMH (Trainable Mentally Handicapped) student.
He had his first experience with mainstreaming in the Community
Care After-School Program. The after-school program was held in
a school cafeteria with nine other children and one teacher/director.
The special education director at Nathan's school was a member
of the board that worked to establish the after-school program.
He referred Nathan's parents to the after-school program.
When the program staff first heard about Nathan, they were worried.
They wondered if the other children and their parents would accept
him. They also doubted their ability to care for him during their
first year of operation. And because this was Nathan's first experience
with mainstreaming, his parents were also apprehensive.
To educate the nine other children enrolled in the program, a
resource person offered a workshop on children with special needs.
The program director consulted with Nathan's classroom teacher
who offered suggestions on how the program could make accommodations
for Nathan. She also walked Nathan to the after-school program
every day until December.
Nathan did well in the program. The only time he was unable to
keep up with the other children was during organized games in
the gym. Over the winter, he and his teacher worked together,
and Nathan learned how to jump rope. This was a big accomplishment.
But Nathan was not the only one who benefitted. Nathan's mother
was grateful for the experience. She said, "I really appreciate
the wonderful care given to Nathan. I was worried about integrating
him with 'normal' children without my supervision. But I know
he has benefitted greatly from the experience." Nathan was
a delight to the teacher/director because he was so appreciative
and easy to please. The other children learned patience and that
the world is filled with people who have a variety of abilities
and needs. By working with his parents, his classroom teacher,
and the other children, the experience was very positive for everyone
involved.
Reprinted with permission from the National Network for Child Care - NNCC. Binkley, D. (1994). Welcoming a special child. In Todd, C.M. (Ed.), *School-age connections*, 2(3), Urbana-Champaign, IL: University of Illinois Cooperative Extension Service.
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