ERIC Number: EJ1072386
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2015
Pages: 13
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1524-5039
EISSN: N/A
Exploring Perspectives on Child Care with Families of Children with Autism
Mereoiu, Mariana; Bland, Carol; Dobbins, Nicole; Niemeyer, Judith A.
Early Childhood Research & Practice, v17 n1 Spr 2015
Early childhood programs serve increasing numbers of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and their families. While many programs have made significant progress in providing educational services responsive to the needs of children with ASD, concerns persist about whether early education programs can meet the educational needs of such children and collaborate effectively with their families. The authors explored self reported experiences and concerns of families who have children diagnosed with ASD and their experiences with preschool educational services in a northern county of a southeastern state. In focus groups, participants discussed program/family relationships, their priorities for their children, and how these needs and priorities were addressed, or not addressed, in the programs serving their children. Findings indicate that families were concerned with their children's access to the educational environment, the availability of emotional and social development support for children with ASD, and the overall reflection of inclusion as a program philosophy in the program settings.
Descriptors: Child Care, Autism, Educational Needs, Special Needs Students, Family Involvement, Preschool Children, Preschool Evaluation, Parent Surveys, Self Disclosure (Individuals), Focus Groups, Family School Relationship, Accessibility (for Disabled), Access to Education, Emotional Development, Social Development, Inclusion, Barriers, Related Services (Special Education), Educational Diagnosis, Qualitative Research, Parent Attitudes, Knowledge Level, Familiarity, Educational Strategies, Educational Resources, Advocacy, Teacher Attitudes, Attitudes toward Disabilities, Peer Relationship, Friendship
Clearinghouse on Early Education and Parenting, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. 51 Gerty Drive, Champaign, IL 61820. Tel: 877-275-3227; Tel: 217-333-1386; Fax: 217-244-7732; e-mail: ecrp@uiuc.edu; Web site: http://ecrp.uiuc.edu
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Preschool Education; Early Childhood Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A