Health Issues and Early Childhood Education
Getting an education is hard for any child, but is especially tough for those with health issues. Most children suffer from the following, which are going to be discussed, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Epilepsy (or seizure disorders), and Down Syndrome. For children with disorders and sicknesses it is hard to be in a regular classroom. If a child has trouble with very important elements of education, which will be explained in more detail later on, a child needs assistance and guidance through their years of school, especially the years of early childhood.
Some psychologists use the WISC-R Test to assist them in this assessment. Children who suffer from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder have trouble maintaining their attention, so, having a seat close to the teacher may be helpful to them. Having a tutor, student teacher, or paraprofessional next to them may be a very good idea, as well. ADHD students should not sit by anything that could possibly distract them. Social skills training is also essential, this includes, how to deal with praise and criticism, making and keeping friends, and having proper conversations. As for epilepsy and seizure disorders counseling is a good idea for the child going through the disorder. It may be a very good idea, for any school staff involved with the child to be aware of the medications the child is on or at least the side effects of them. It may also be a good idea to tell fellow peers and educate them on seizures, in case, one occurs. Most children with Down Syndrome need special services and needs, such as, having an aid and sitting close to the teacher is necessary. Sitting close to the teacher is important, because of the visual impairment the child may have, due to, the disorder. This is due to them being put into classrooms with nondisabled children, but this is a larger part during early childhood education only.
On a personal level, getting an education was very difficult for me. This difficulty came from having Epilepsy. Epilepsy disrupted my life, as a student, a great deal. I, fortunately, did not need to suffer from the pain until I was in elementary school. I can only imagine how hard it is for a child in early childhood education. Having epilepsy has only made me a stronger person and has given me more motivation to finish my education.
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