Why welcome a child with special needs into a childcare setting?

Situation :

The daily life of Ryan, a child with a disability, in a care system.
To better understand the benefits of welcoming children with special needs, both for the children and for the professionals. To support professionals in the evolution of their practices.

Tell me… Why welcome a child with special needs into a childcare setting?

Ryan is a child who requires special care, and his morning routine is different from that of his classmates. Being around a child living with a physical disability, a developmental disorder, or an intellectual disability offers opportunities to develop empathy and respect for others in their differences.
For the children around Ryan, developing his skills teaches them to build positive and harmonious relationships. Ryan, like his friends, feels the need to play, explore his environment, learn to live in a group, and acquire new skills. Although the educator plays an active role in Ryan's integration, a rapport with the other children develops quickly and naturally. He is thus included in the group's games and activities. Everyone therefore benefits from the presence of a child with special needs in the childcare setting.
Like the other children, Ryan benefits from a stimulating environment. His parents have the advantage of support from the educational staff. The children around him, in turn, have the opportunity to develop their social skills. With his best friend and his educator, Ryan is truly happy.

Supporting a child with a disability can involve:

• Welcoming children and their parents
• Contributing to the socialization of children
• Providing support to parents: frequent exchanges, advice, listening to their difficulties

Our articles on the same topic

• Reception and disability
• Access to childcare facilities: a right for your child
• Children with special needs: what you need to know 
• Parents' testimonies about welcoming a child with a disability