What is your educational background?
I have my bachelors in early childhood education and a bachelors in elementary education. I have also taken extra college courses in special education.

What other experiences, or staff development has prepared you for inclusion?
Some of my experiences include student teaching in an inclusive setting, being a part of the IEP process and having early childhood special education teachers in my building as resource people, case managers, etc.

What is your job role?
I am responsible for the daily education of three, four, and five year olds in the areas of social/emotional skills, preacademic skills, and other areas of preschool development.

What is your role regarding the inclusive component of the program?
I help in the daily activities that are enabling our children involved in special education to reach their IEP goals. I also provide information to the parents and case managers of these children regarding their progress or any concerns/questions that I may have.

How do teachers receive extra training?
I have received some limited training by attending the KDEC conference. I have received specific training in the PECS curriculum by my Disabilities Coordinator.

Do teachers help children with disabilities and typically developing peers become friends?
Yes. I pair children when playing games, ask children to ask their peers for help, and we talk about differences at times.

How are parents of children with special needs included to participate and get involved with the school?
We have family night for each classroom and all families are encouraged to participate. We also strongly encourage all parents to volunteer some time in the classroom.