Mainstreaming Special Needs Children

To mainstream a child with Special Needs or not is a personal choice for every parent. Mainstreaming means to place a special needs child into a regular classroom. This choice depends on alot of things, you must consider the school, the classroom itself, the teacher and the amount of children in the class, most of all the needs of the child must come first.



When considering the needs of the child, we must consider academic ability, and the behaviors of the child. If the child is able to handle the noise level in the classroom, and what accommodations will be in place for the child. Accommodations can include modifications to desks, classroom structure and even modifications to academics. Having an Educational Assistant in the classroom may be required and is vital to the child's learning. This is a common occurrence in a regular classroom these days, as many parents want there child mainstreamed, with the child still needing supports.



Mainstreaming can be a positive experience for any special needs child. It promotes peer relationships, social skill learning, and makes the child feel part of a family. This is not only beneficial to the child but the also the parents. Being part of a school, the child will be able to participate in school activities, such as assemblies, and field trips. Building friendships and peer relationships, will promote self esteem.



For the average student in the classroom, mainstreaming can also be beneficial. They can learn to appreciate everyones uniqueness, as they learn about special needs. They will become more compassionate, and learn to empathize. Mainstreaming the special needs child opens doors for all who embrace it.



Some students can not be mainstreamed as such. Because of their behaviors, either violent or not, mainstreaming into a regular classroom could become very difficult. On the other hand, students who cannot be in a regular classroom can be placed in a special needs classroom within a regular school setting. This can produce alot of positive interactions with other children in the school itself. Again having special needs students within the school can promote kindness and respect between students. So even those students who have to have a special classroom can enjoy peer relationships.



There are many positives for mainstreaming a child into a regular classroom. Many of which encourage values which we want our children to learn. Having special needs children in a regular school situation will create a more enlightened generation. Isn't this what we need as a society. A generation who help and value each other for who they are, no matter what the disability or ability.

Denise