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FAMILIES AND COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS * 3 HOURS * LEVEL 2

Supporting Families with Special Needs

Page 17
Positive Interaction Strategies
Children with special needs are just like other children but they do things a bit differently. Some are nonverbal, hearing impaired, physically challenged or cognitively delayed. Overall, adult interaction with these children is most successful when some strategies are used. These support and encourage conversations about diversity and make all learners feel welcome and accepted. Instruct and support your staff to use the following strategies and make sure that you are leading by example!
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​Talk with them.
​Even a child who is nonverbal benefits from being spoken to. Just because they may not respond to your questions or comments doesn’t mean they are not participating in the conversation. Talk, ask questions, tell them a joke, or give them a compliment. 
Interact with them, not just the parent or caregiver.
​Often people will approach a child with special needs and ask a question or two then they turn to the parent or caregiver to continue the conversation. Doing this makes the child feel invisible and different from others. Do your best to interact with the child.
Be positive.
​It seems simple, but it is easy to get frustrated when working with children. Positivity always has better results.
Use different cues.
​Don’t rely on giving spoken directions. Use visual, written, and tactile cues as well. 
Be flexible.
​Things that worked yesterday may not work tomorrow. Do not get fixated on only one solution. Instead be flexible and willing to change gears if you need to. Likewise, be willing to follow the child’s lead.
Remain aware.
​Often disastrous situations can be avoided by making slight preparations to the environment or surroundings. Be aware of potential downfalls both literally and figuratively. If JoJo often stumbles on the last step of the staircase, be ready to help her when she gets there. 
If you can encourage your staff to use these strategies and continue to use them yourself, families will notice and they will appreciate your effort and trust your ability to provide quality care. Above all the children in your care will feel supported and benefit from these interactions!