In 1974 Margaret McIntyre conducted research that looked at emerging trends and issues in Early Childhood Education. McIntyre discussed how each child’s individual needs should be met in the classroom. She recognizes that each child has a different way of learning and interacting with others and it is the job of a teacher and staff to meet their needs in order for them to be as successful as they can be.
This is a trend that significantly ended up impacting education in early childhood. The place this becomes the most important is in potential IEP’s or most prevalent in a special education classroom. This can be a hard realization to some parents, but it is in the best interest of a child in order for them to reach their highest potential. Children with Individualized Education Programs tend to have more needs that just need to be met in different ways. By recognizing those challenges for students, teachers and staff are able to provide children with learning difficulties with the materials that will help them succeed in all realms.
This is an idea that is constantly being built on. Thankfully, there are now laws put in place, like IDEA and Section 504, that uphold this idea that every child deserves to be provided with the best education possible. IDEA is a federal law that has the best interest for children with “a serious emotional disturbance, a learning difference intellectual disability, having had a traumatic brain injury, being diagnosed on the spectrum of autism, vision and hearing impairments, physical disabilities, developmental delays (including speech and language difficulties), other health impairments” (____) and Section 504 ensures that there be no discrimination against children that fall into any of the following categories and provides them with all the necessary accommodations they may need. If a parent or teacher suspects that their child fits into any of those categories, then it is in their best interest they become informed on these laws to ensure their child is receiving the best education possible.
Aacap. “School Services for Children with Special Needs: Know Your Rights.” American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry , www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Services-In-School-For-Children-With-Special-Needs-What-Parents-Need-To-Know-083.aspx.