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Series Title

Practical Access

Disciplines

Accessibility | Disability and Equity in Education | Education

Description

This episode of Practical Access features Avien Henry, the Principal of the Children's Learning Center at Helen Keller Services. During this episode, she, along with Drs. Lisa Dieker and Rebecca Hines provide valuable insights into early childhood education for children with special needs. Dr. Henry's experience and strategies offer practical advice for educators and parents seeking to create supportive, inclusive, and effective learning environments for young learners with diverse needs. Also, she discusses the unique approaches and tools used in her preschool program to support diverse learners.

Resources Link to Taptillo: https://www.taptilo.com/

Key Points Discussed:

1. Dr. Henry's Background and School Overview: Dr. Henry details her transition from working in public schools to her current role at a preschool specializing in children with visual impairments, autism, and other multiple disabilities.

2. Transitioning to Specialized Early Education: Insights on shifting from a general education setting to a niche school focusing on early intervention and specialized needs.

3. Parental Partnerships and Communication: Emphasis on working closely with parents as partners and maintaining open communication to understand each child's needs better.

4. Classroom Setup and Instructional Strategies: Utilizing visuals and tactile elements, structured and small group activities, and specialized programs like touch math to support learning.

5. Movement and Safety in Classroom: Balancing the need for movement with safety, especially for visually impaired students. Strategies include guided exploration and consistent classroom layouts.

6. Inclusive and Structured Environments: Creating inclusive classrooms that cater to various needs while maintaining structure. Importance of functional and purposeful classroom setups.

7. Technology in Early Education: Discuss technology like Tactillo, a tactile device linked to an app that facilitates braille learning for visually impaired students.

8. Early Intervention and Advice for Parents: Dr. Henry stresses the importance of early intervention and encourages parents to seek support and trust their instincts regarding their child's development.

9. Closing Thoughts: Dr. Henry advises parents and educators to be proactive in supporting early childhood education and to seek appropriate resources and interventions.

Date Created

12-15-2023

Item Type

Audio

Type

article

Length of Episode

20 Minutes

S10E6_transcript (1).docx (27 kB)
Transcript - Practical Access S10E6

Accessibility Status

We are committed to ensuring accessibility for all users. To support individuals with hearing impairments or those who prefer text-based content, a full transcript accompanies each episode of this audio podcast. The transcript provides a detailed, text-based representation of the audio content and can be accessed directly on the podcast’s webpage. If you have any questions or require additional accommodation, please feel free to contact us at stars@ucf.edu.



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