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• Preschool teachers’ attitudes and preparation in the implementation of inclusive education

  45-62

  Helin Puksand

  Lii Lilleoja

  Views:

  78

  The implementation of inclusive education depends on teachers’ attitudes towards children with special needs. In 2022, a kindergarten survey was carried out, which included the topic of inclusive education. A total of 918 teachers across Estonia participated in the survey. The study aimed to map preschool teachers’ attitudes towards children with special needs and inclusive education and determine how teachers evaluate their knowledge of implementing inclusive education. Kindergarten teachers tended to favour inclusion: they agreed they could include children with special needs in leisure and learning activities. However, they found difficulties mainly with children with behavioural problems and identified other difficult situations that arise with children with special needs in the mainstream group. Most teachers with a professional education said they had the knowledge and skills to deal with children with special needs. However, teachers without a professional education could not say the same.

• EXPERIENCES AND SUPPORT NEEDS OF CHILDREN WITH BROTHER OR SISTER WITH DISABILITY

  69-81

  Tiiu Tammemäe

  Lii Lilleoja

  Mari-Liis Valma

  Views:

  446

  There are many children with special needs whose siblings play an important role in their lives for a longer time than other family members. Longer life expectancy and the deepening of disabilities bring along a higher need of being taken care of. When the parents grow older it is often the siblings who become the caretakers. Meyer & Vadasy (2007) found that if siblings of children with SEN get proper support and information while growing up, the well-being of siblings with special needs also increases. Relationship with a sibling with special needs influences development of adaptability and self-esteem, this influence can be positive or negative (Burke, 2008). The parents of the children with SEN have many ways to receive information or help from the family – doctors, therapists, consultants, teachers, books, etc. The siblings in their turn usually get their information from the parents. (Conway & Meyer, 2008) Family members of different ages need different information. Therefore, there should be research on what kind of experiences do the siblings of the disabled child need, how their needs and well-being are guaranteed, and what kind of support they need. The aim of this study is to describe the experiences of brothers and sisters with siblings with special needs, try to understand their need for support, and find out the need for support groups and camps.