What to Know about CLASS® and Children with Disabilities

Teaching with CLASS®

This episode dives into the world of special education, focusing on the importance of individualized interactions in the classroom. Today’s guest, Mary-Margaret Gardiner, a seasoned educator, shares her insights and experiences in working with special needs children.

The discussion ranges from understanding each child's unique cues and needs to effective strategies for classroom observations. Mary-Margaret highlights the importance of understanding each child's individual needs and cues, and how teachers can use that understanding to foster powerful interactions that support unique learning styles.

Topics Discussed in This Episode

• [00:01:38] Mary-Margaret’s background
• [00:05:19] How the guiding principles of CLASS® 2nd edition apply to all children, including those with special needs
• [00:07:41] How teachers can effectively interact with children who don’t like to interact
• [00:11:51] Attending to the needs of children with and without special needs in the same classroom
• [00:18:16] Addressing challenges in interacting with children who have developmental delays
• [00:22:29] What observers need to know about special needs when they go observe a classroom
• [00:28:27] Which tools observers use
• [00:31:30] Strategies Mary-Margaret wants educators to know

Resources

Mary-Margaret Gardiner

Resources for Educators

Recommendations for Using CLASS in Inclusive Early Childhood Programs