Debbie+Barberio

My name is Debbie Barberio. I am the director of the Euclid City Schools Child Development Center. We accept students 2 1/2-12 years of age. I am looking forward to working with all of you in this LRE Study. dbarberio@euclid.k12.oh.us


 * Spring, 2012 LRE Study Group **


 * As a result of being involved in this LRE Study Group, **
 * here are three things that I have learned that will enhance my working with young children, especially those with special needs. **


 * Here are two changes I will work toward implementing in my center/classroom: **


 * One question I still have is this, and this is how I plan to find the answer: **

__First Question __ I believe the video on Preschool Inclusion: Working Together To Make It Happen sums up what I have learned in this LRE study. The features of inclusion are: Access, Participation and Supports. 1. Access: "Regardless of the type of delay a child experiences, it is important to keep in mind that all children should be included in a classroom." It is the right thing to do! The inclusion of a child who has special needs benefits all. Inclusion benefits students, teachers and parents. 2. Participation: "Children with disabilities do not need to be "repaired" of "fixed" before they can be included with their peers. This means that you recognize that every child is unique and has worth, regardless of their challenges." Children see each other as their equal. We as adults need to see this as well. Peers are powerful! 3. Supports: "One should believe that 'one size' does not fit all and no one method, process, or product will work for all children. This includes an understanding that working with children with disabilities is not about using a specific product, but about following a process." When planning individualize your plan to meet students needs. Children learn in the context of their daily life. Make adaptations in your classroom environment for your students. Positive relationships should be established with your parents. Just know the success of your students depends on a team. This team includes parents, teachers and classmates of those special need students.

__Second Question __ The two changes that I will work toward implementing at my center is revising our Philosophy statement and make needed revisions in our classroom environments.

How can we provide a quality least restrictive environment for our students on a limited budget?
===How I plan to find the answer? I know we have the support of our itinerant teacher and also from PEP which is great! I do feel more funds are needed for adaptive equipment, staffing and other things. I will need to seek out Grant opportunities to attain additional funding.===


 * In looking at our philosophy statement in our parent handbook some revisions are definitely necessary. Currently our philosophy is as follows:**

The Euclid City Schools Child Development Center was established in 1978. With insight towards the future, Euclid City Schools fulfilled a very important need of the community.

The Child Development Center provides a caring atmosphere for young children. The school fosters a realistic environment in which young children have the opportunity to develop a sense of self-worth, responsibility, and acquire new learning skills within a creative setting with age-appropriate materials.

The curriculum is based on the Ohio Department of Education Preschool Standards: Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies, as well as preschool skills including: sensory motor development, cognitive and problem solving and perception.

Each day the children will enjoy both quiet and active play suitable for their age levels and abilities. Reading readiness,pre-math games, computer skills, songs, finger plays, arts and crafts and creative dramatics are all part of their daily activities. The physical environment has both a an indoor playroom, gymnasium and an outdoor playground which helps each child exercise large and small muscles and promotes physical coordination and cognitive development. Daily 'specials" including computer science, literacy, music and physical education enrich our early childhood program.


 * I would like to add several statements to our philosophy. The below is in rough draft.**

We believe that all children are individuals who learn in their own way and at their own pace. We welcome diversity and this is reflected in our classrooms. We believe that children learn from each other as well as from role models. We believe the inclusion of children with special needs will benefit all of our students. Playing and learning together will help to develop skills for all of our students.

I guess this is good start! I welcome any comments to this philosophy.