Latinx Caregivers’ Experiences With Their Young Children’s Special Education Inclusion

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Sunday 11:40 am Four Seasons Ballroom 2-3
  In Roundtable Session: Centering Family and Caregiver Voices as Equal Participants Within Special Education (Table 6)

Abstract

Early childhood education programs emphasize the commitment to inclusive practices for all children with special needs. Currently, only about half of preschool-aged children (ages 3-5) with disabilities access most of their special education and related services in inclusive regular early childhood settings. Therefore, it is crucial to concentrate on the support and guidance offered to families. This study aims to explore Latinx caregivers’ experiences with inclusive education in preschool settings. Through qualitative individual interviews, findings reveal that Latinx caregivers share a unified understanding of inclusion, highlighting common experiences regarding its benefits, challenges, and future prospects. Latinx caregivers expressed their hopes and dreams for their children with disabilities within inclusive environments, while also identifying a significant need for additional resources.

Authors

• Stephanie Fernandez, University of Illinois at Chicago

• Sunyoung Kim, University of Illinois at Chicago

• Elizabeth Cambray, University of Illinois at Chicago

• Namhee Kim, University of Illinois at Chicago

• Jing Wang, University of Nebraska - Lincoln