The Lion's Pride Volume 10 (Spring 2018) | Page 77

whole, the benefits of an inclusive classroom include increased
developmental progress because young children learn quickly from
modeling, heightened cognitive and communication abilities as they
engage with children who are developmentally different from
themselves and advanced social skills through diverse interactions with
varying levels of social-emotional capabilities.
Children with disabilities gain a great deal from the participation in
inclusive programs. They can experience how typically developing
children respond to various situations, and they are challenged to
communicate their wants and needs in an appropriate manner and be a
part of an environment that models their community. Those children
who exhibit special needs will also be able to explore who they are as
individuals in a safe place which fully supports their unique path to
growth, and this notion mirrors what the Early Childhood Alliance says,
“All children benefit when adults recognize the similarities in children,
acknowledge the differences, and have curiosity about a child’s unique
point of view” (2015). There are equal benefits and opportunities when
adults support each child individually and collectively.
It is often said that an inclusive classroom is mainly for those
children who have disabilities, but children without special needs can
thrive just as much as any other child in that environment. Typically
developing children can also be supported in an inclusive program and
seem to not be affected in an adverse way by their participation (Allen