Helping Special Children Learn through Play

Play is an important part of every child's development. Through play a child learns to control and interact with his or her physical environment, to get along with others and to develop self-esteem. Children with special needs sometimes require adapted toys in order to fully access the wonderful world of play. Last year, the CCCC Resource Library received funding from the California Department of Education to supplement its collection of toys for children with special needs.

The toys are available to Kern County child care centers and licensed family child care home providers. The new pieces consist of toys and multi-sensory equipment to stimulate sensorimotor development and support creative, intellectual growth. The Resource Library also has activity centers to encourage a child’s need for auditory, visual and tactile exploration and a few specialized pieces designed for classroom settings. Library staff have also been trained to provide caregivers and teachers technical assistance for various age groups and abilities.

In addition to its expanded resources for children with special needs, CCCC offers free, valuable training and technical assistance to all child care providers through the Inclusion Training Project to enhance the participation (inclusion) of children with special needs in child care and development programs. This unique training series will equip providers with the knowledge and confidence to care for children with special needs. Leading edge professionals including child development experts, behavioral specialists and medical professionals will speak on relevant issues affecting children with special needs. Topics will include: behavior challenges, health concerns, physical obstacles and hands on solutions, overcoming stereotypes, communication with parents and children – and much more!

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