ERIC Number: EJ932508
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2011
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0218-8791
EISSN: N/A
An Inclusion Initiative in Singapore for Preschool Children with Special Needs
Yeo, Lay See; Neihart, Maureen; Tang, Hui Nee; Chong, Wan Har; Huan, Vivien S.
Asia Pacific Journal of Education, v31 n2 p143-158 2011
This paper describes a preschool inclusion initiative in Singapore, which currently has no mandate for integrating children with special needs in mainstream schools. This very small-scale qualitative study involving children with mild learning disabilities discusses a therapy outreach programme by a local children's hospital. It explores the supports and challenges of this experience based on interviews with therapists, teachers, principals, and parents. Facilitators of inclusion included communication, collaboration, availability of training and resources, and a readiness for inclusion. Barriers to inclusion included person-related hindrances, structural obstacles, gaps in programme delivery, and limited specialized training and resources. We learned that in the absence of mandatory provisions for inclusion, children with special needs can be supported in regular education when there is "buy in" for early inclusion and intervention amongst key stakeholders. Practical strategies toward this end are discussed. (Contains 1 table.)
Descriptors: Learning Disabilities, Preschool Children, Foreign Countries, Special Needs Students, Inclusion, Mainstreaming, Qualitative Research, Interviews, Cooperation, Interpersonal Communication, Barriers, Teacher Competencies, Delivery Systems, Regular and Special Education Relationship, Attitude Measures, Teacher Attitudes, Parent Attitudes, Administrator Attitudes
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Preschool Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Singapore
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A