A certified teacher who is responsible for the instruction of a group of children who's ages are between birth and eight years and who has had specialized instruction in exceptional children and in making adaptations to meet the needs of these children.

Below are several questions that early childhood special education teachers have answered to help you understand their role in an inclusive program. Click on the link after the question to read the responses.

Liz, Nancy, Pam, Paula, Renee, Sharon and Tina, please tell us:

. . . what is your educational background? "I have a ..."

. . . what other experiences, or staff development has prepared you for inclusion? "I have taught ..."

. . . what is your job role? "I am half of the teaching team..."

. . . what is your role regarding the inclusive component of the program? "During our morning session..."

. . . how has your role changed or have you adapted your role as it is related to the inclusive program? "In the five years that ..."

. . . what were your biggest concerns about participating in an inclusive program? "Some of my concerns ..."

. . . what were your experiences related to these concerns once inclusive services were implemented? "All of the staff members..."

. . . what do you see as the benefit of moving toward inclusive services? "Some of the benefits ..."

. . . can you offer one or more anecdotes that you feel illustrate the benefits of inclusion? "A few years ago..."