Equal Learning Environments: Collaboration In The Classroom

This research demonstrates how educators can tailor environments, instruction, and curricula to each student’s level of learning and development, providing all students equal learning opportunities. Proactive educators design learning environments that ensure access, reflect the full range of strengths and needs, offer flexible methods and materials, and support participation for all learners.
Natural Environments
Young children receive ECSE services in a variety of settings, including the natural environment (Brillante, 2017). The natural environment is any setting the child would typically be in if he/she did not have a disability, such as home-based, center-based, or home-center programs (Raver, 2009). During a home-based visit, the ECSE
Despite the challenges related to personal strengths and levels of commitment of the individuals involved, collaboration offers many important benefits (Buysse & Wesley, 2004; Raver, 2009; Vesay, 2004). For families, collaboration provides easy access to intervention services and an opportunity to share their concerns, priorities, and ideas; and establishes their role as an equal partner and informed decision maker in their child’s education (Cook, Klein & Chen, 2016; Individuals with Disabilities, 2004; Newman, 2004; No Child Left, 2002; Turnbull, Zuna, Turnbull, Poston & Summers, 2007). For educators, collaboration provides an opportunity to understand the families’ needs, values, beliefs, culture, traditions, child-rearing practices, view of disability, and attitude toward education and interventions; learn key words and phrases in the families’ home language to support interactions; identify specific objectives that address children’s learning and developmental needs; obtain, share, and draw from expert information for relevant suggestions for designing and implementing interventions; establish relationships with community resources, such as media, churches, and community members; and develop the families’ awareness of their role in guiding, supporting, and facilitating their child’s development.
This research emphasis the personal and professional benefits of collaboration to families and educators. Collaboration between parents, teachers, and other professionals that builds on respectful partnerships; provides critical information about the child’s and families’ strengths and needs; identifies and locates resources; improves instruction; and engages families enhances children’s development and ensures the best possible