Inclusion is not an educational issue, it is a child’s birth right as a lifestyle. Inclusion is going to story hour at the library, playing in the neighborhood playground and going to the pool when it is hot. It just makes sense that a child with a disability would also go to school with the children in the neighborhood.

Meaningful inclusion involves much more than the mere placement of a child with a disability in a general early childhood program. For inclusion to be successful, all of the necessary supports must be provided so the child with special needs forms friendships with peers, participates actively in all classroom activities, and accomplishes the individualized goals and objectives designed to meet his or her needs.

Genuine inclusion means that during large circle time, the child with disabilities sits next to the other children, sings the songs, and participates in other planned activities to the fullest extent possible… If the children go for a walk, the child in the wheelchair goes also. At story time, the child with the augmentative communication system contributes using his or her nonvocal mode of communication.

In order for inclusion to be successful, critical supports such as staff training, consultative services, program/environmental modifications, and specialized equipment and materials must be provided.

Here at Warbasse Nursery School we go to great lengths to ensure that our interdisciplinary team plans effectively for each and every child and has all the appropriate resources necessary for our children to achieve success. Our special needs program component is funded by the New York State Education Department and the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Our typically developing children are enrolled through private tuition. Our class size ratio is a maximum of fifteen children with seven of fifteen children having been classified as preschoolers with disabilities by the New York City Committee on Preschool Special Education.

Enjoy your visit to our website. If we can be of further assistance please do not hesitate to call.

Sincerely,

Ira Feingold