In the early stages of a child's development, children with mental or physical disabilities need specially adapted instruction with particular emphasis on the behaviour and abilities of the disabled child. Educators set goals of specific adapted skills that are individually adjusted to the child's strengths and weaknesses. This improves the child's academic opportunities and personal success.

 

Disabled preschool children often need more time to develop age-specific skills that allow them to become more independent. Depending on the child's individual stage of development, the educator's demands on the child to comb his or her own hair, get dressed, eat or go to the toilet can be adjusted. Goals can be broken down into individual, smaller goals so that the child can master one step at a time. For example, getting dressed starts with a piece of clothing and gradually leads to mastering buttons or zips and putting on shoes.

In social interaction with children of the same age, disabled children learn social behaviour and physical skills adapted to their special needs. The goals of social behaviour include fairness, cooperative play, sharing toys, following the rules, cleaning up and communication. In the next phase, children learn to make friends, understand facial expressions and personal expressions.

Through physical activities and play, disabled children learn about the possibilities, limits and developmental capacity of their bodies. The goals of physical development support can be walking, running and jumping, which contribute to muscle building and endurance. Within a group, the children learn to cooperate with other children.

Each disabled child must be considered and supported individually. Throughout the preschool and school years, the child develops organisational skills that are important for his or her success. The first course is already set at preschool age. For example, it is necessary that a child of preschool age already learns to live as independently as possible with his or her disabilities, because independence gives children self-esteem and self-confidence.

Not to forget the social learning advantage of the other children through their interaction with disabled children. They learn consideration, understanding and care, which are also indispensable for themselves among each other.