Benefits of Inclusive Education - Toddlers Peer Teachers

The benefits of inclusive education are numerous for both students with and without disabilities.

Benefits of Inclusion for Students With Disabilities

1. Friendships
2. Increased social initiations, relationships and networks
3. Peer role models for academic, social and behavior skills
4. Increased achievement of  IEP goals
5. Greater access to general curriculum
6. Enhanced skill acquisition and generalization
7. Increased inclusion in future environments
8. Greater opportunities for interactions
9. Higher expectations
10. Increased school staff collaboration
11. Increased parent participation
12. Families are more integrated into community

In  the photo to the left, one of the toddlers is teaching the child how to clap to If you are happy and you know it.  In the photo to the right, the child is doing it on his own.  Even one year old children can peer teach.

Benefits of Inclusion for Students Without Disabilities

1. Meaningful friendships
2. Increased appreciation and acceptance of individual differences
3. Increased understanding and acceptance of diversity
4. Respect for all people
5. Prepares all students for adult life in an inclusive society
6. Opportunities to master activities by practicing and teaching others
7. Greater academic outcomes
8. All students needs are better met, greater resources for everyone
             http://www.kidstogether.org/inclusion/benefitsofinclusion.htm
   
   
   Norma W. Honeycutt, Early Intervention Specialist