Annie, from St. Ben's Infant/Toddler replied:
You see the child with special needs want to do what the other kids are doing, moving around and walking. The child tries to do more.

Barbara, from Barkley replied:
MANY! The children with disabilities gain tremendously with so many peers to observe and play with. The other children learn early on that "different" is not bad, they learn patience, and I feel, become more compassionate, caring, and especially tolerant of others.

Claudia, from White replied:
I believe the biggest benefit is the role models that the children enrolled in special education see and interact with. They develop better behavior and social skills and the children enrolled in regular education learn empathy and caring for people who are different.

Edna, from St. Ben's Infant/Toddler replied:
Positive atmosphere and the ongoing learning that is exchanged between staff and children.

Kenna, from Bright Futures replied:
I think that at the preschool level, it will prepare children with disabilities for their elementary school experiences.

Lovie, from St. Ben's Infant/Toddler replied:
My years working with the inclusion program I have seen progress by working on the child's area that need development. I think its a wonderful program.

Marcia, from Bright Futures replied:
It treats all the children as if there was nothing wrong with them.

Pat, from Raintree Montessori School replied:
I have found that many special needs students, no matter how severe, tend to try harder and work for a friend (a typical peer) much more than for a teacher/therapist. Many students I have been with over the years have made good friendships and gone to their first birthday party. It's also been nice to see the benefits that the typical peers receive. What a wonderful and natural way to learn about handicaps and being sensitive, caring, and helpful.

Also being around normal models is the perfect teacher for toilet training, eating, riding a bike - you name it. It helps to watch a friend and want to keep up.

It's great to see the parents make friends and get a larger, more diversified support group with other parents.

Patti, from Barkley replied:
The benefits are that the children help each other learn. They need more programs like in "elementary" schools.

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