A teacher in the education system is tasked to do a great many of things. First and foremost is to ensure that the children under their influence, whether it be those in the classroom or kids that are impacted by the teacher’s decisions, are given an appropriate environment from which learning is fostered. Of all the educators in the system, those who have bearing on the young children are in a position of great influence. Frankly, I see the teacher as an enabler who day in and day out makes positive educational strides in early childhood intervention. Without the highest level of education intervention in the daily lives of children, the learning and developmental progress of each child suffers.
This is even more the case when young children have some form of disability that prevents them from exercising their full capacity. This disability can be physical, emotional, or cognitive in nature. The support systems that exist nationwide to help such children and their caring parents are excellent resources that teachers should be familiar with. As we have underscored before, this magical period we plainly characterize as early childhood education, is far understated in its overall scope of importance…importance not only to the healthy progress of childhood development, but its significance is also seen generations later. This is even more the case, I believe, for those children who are in need of an early childhood intervention specialist or program to help them with their development.
Exploring Early Childhood Intervention Programs and Jobs
A developmental environment that is conducive to bringing out the best is not supported when teachers of our youngest of children in need are unable to identify and utilize targeted resources. The state and national organizations are far too many to list. One needs to simply do a quick search to find those that are appropriate for your area. The IDEA would be one of the first places to start. The Individuals With Disabilities Education and Improvement Act promotes providing assistance to infants and toddlers experiencing development delays.
But if you are considering teaching and wish to broaden your skill base so that you can work with children that may benefit from special intervention resources and services (within the classroom or outside), then consider obtaining your special education certification. There are many people that make up an early childhood intervention team which includes physical therapists, occupational instructors, language and speech therapists, and a wide assortment of other special services support staff. To learn more about obtaining additional training in this area, check with either local or state agencies, your school administrators or college counselors, whichever the case may be for your situation.