Sharing Perspectives for Educating Young Children with Disabilities: Developing Family and Professional Partnerships

This important book is an exploration of the ways parents, teachers and academics view the development and schooling of young children with disabilities. It offers an in-depth examination of the common and critical issues that emerge as children and their families first enter the school system, navigate the educational landscape and learn to advocate for their rights. Each chapter of the book presents a parent’s perspective of significant issues, followed by a teacher’s perspective. From their stories, numerous themes are identified and connected to the academic literature. The experiences shared and the literature reviewed address the challenges, successes and opportunities for increased understanding that emerge as parents and educators work together toward a common goal. Sharing Perspectives for Educating Young Children with Disabilities is essential reading for all pre-service and in-service early childhood and special education professionals and parents engaging in the process of listening carefully to others with the aim of supporting the education of young children.

Table of Contents:
Preface Chapter 1 -- Telling Stories as a Way to Share Perspectives Part 1: A Mother’s Perspective Part 2: A Teacher’s Perspective Part 3: The Academic Perspective Historical Overview of Special Education Changes in Disability Classification Over the Years Parent Roles in Development of Services Disability, Civil Rights and Social Justice Evolution of Partnerships and Collaboration Professional Humility What About Inclusion? What Follows in This Book References Guiding Questions and Activities Chapter 2 -- Wondering and Noticing Part 1: A Mother’s Perspective Part 2: A Teacher’s Perspective Part 3: The Academic Perspective The Purposes of Observation Variations in Development Racial Disparities in Classroom Preschool Suspension/Expulsion and the School-to-Prison Pipeline The Unintended Outcomes of Wondering and Noticing References Guiding Questions and Activities Chapter 3 -- Putting the Pieces Together: Assessment, Evaluation and Diagnosis Part 1: A Mother’s Perspective Part 2: A Teacher’s Perspective Part 3: The Academic Perspective Developmental and Universal Screening An Overview of Assessment Types of Traditional Assessment Biases and Issues with Traditional Tests Authentic Assessment Team Approaches to Assessment Multidisciplinary Approach to Assessment Interdisciplinary Approach to Assessment Transdisciplinary Approach to Assessment Additional Considerations and Planning for Assessment References Guiding Questions and Activities Chapter 4 – Processes, Plans and Protections Under the Law: IFSP, IEP and Section 504 Part 1: A Mother’s Perspective Part 2: A Teacher’s Perspective Part 3: The Academic Perspective Main Themes in the IDEA IFSPs 504 Plans and RTI IEPs The IEP Process The IEP Content Alphabet Soup: PBS, FBAs and BIPs Due Process Creating Collaborative Teams within the IEP Process References Guiding Questions and Activities Chapter 5 -- Collaborating to Implement Programs and Services Part 1: A Mother’s Perspective Part 2: A Teacher’s Perspective Part 3: The Academic Perspective Developing Collaborative Relationships Collaboration in Early Intervention Early Intervention Professional Standards and Dispositions Access and Barriers to Early Intervention Services Home-Based and Center-Based Services Collaboration in the Classroom Push-In and Pull-Out Services Working with Paraprofessionals General Education and Special Education Teachers Working Together References Guiding Questions and Activities Chapter 6 -- Advocating Part 1: A Mother’s Perspective Part 2: A Teacher’s Perspective Part 3: The Academic Perspective Parents as Advocates Professionals as Advocates Teachers as Advocates and Partners with Families Children as Self-Advocates and Self-Determined Beings Self-Determination Cultural Considerations within Self-Advocacy and Self-Determination The Dignity of Risk Points of Reflection Rocking the Boat Familial and Cultural Considerations in Advocacy Why We (Still) Need to Advocate References Guiding Questions and Activities Epilogue -- Final Thoughts and Moving Forward Index

About the Author :
Nancy Sall, Ed.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Special Education at Hunter College, City University of New York, USA. Nancy previously was a faculty lecturer at Teachers College, Columbia University. She has worked on numerous federally funded research projects on the communication and social development of children with significant disabilities. Catherine Hall Rikhye, Ed.D., Special Education Curriculum Consultant, NYC Public Schools, USA. Cathy was a faculty lecturer at Teachers College, Columbia University, and Associate Professor of Special Education at Hunter College and Dominican College in NY. She created and directed the Office of Inclusive Education, NYC Department of Education. Darnell Carr Newsum, MBA., Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Consultant, SPARK/Boston Children’s Hospital, USA. Darnell is the parent of two children with Autism and a parent advocate, serving on the boards of two schools in New York City. She speaks at colleges and organizations about issues impacting families of children with autism. Samreen Hoda, M.A., Assessment Editor, Curriculum Associates iReady, USA. Samreen designs large-scale early literacy assessments while incorporating cultural and linguistic responsiveness. She taught students with autism and other developmental disabilities in New York City Public Schools where she also served as a mentor and supervisor for novice teachers.

Review :
“This book is unique in that it incorporates first person perspectives from multiple stakeholders in family-professional collaboration. There is just enough historical and academic background information to bring greater meaning to readers’ understanding of how policy and practices have changed over time [and,] the style is particularly user-friendly and engaging. The language is clear and promotes a sense of positivity.” --Susan Recchia, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, Teachers College, Columbia University “This is the first book I have seen that is organized around parent, teacher, and academic’s perspectives. In my work with early childhood/special education undergraduate and graduate students, collaborating with families is one of the most difficult aspects of learning how to teach. This book offers stories that students in education and in-service programs can relate to and learn from.” --Seung Eun McDevitt, Ed.D., Associate Professor, Rowan University “This text delivers both breadth and depth in its examination of themes and constructs most vital to supporting families and young children with disabilities. Complex topics including historical frameworks, constructs, and legislation, intersectionality of race and disability, and advocacy and social justice are presented in an engaging and nuanced way. This text will be a valuable resource in teacher education coursework.” --Victoria Puig, Ed.D., Associate Professor, Montclair State University