Integrating Handicapped Children Into Regular Classrooms. (With Abstract Bibliography)

This document is based on an interview with Dr. Jenny Klein, Director of Educational Services, Office of Child Development, who stresses the desirability of integrating handicapped children into regular classrooms. She urges the teacher to view the handicapped child as a normal child with some special needs. Specific suggestions for the teacher are given: (1) learn the details about handicaps that may be encountered; (2) work supportively with parents and find out as much as possible about the child; (3) arrange for the child's gradual transition into a classroom setting; (4) be aware of the range of normal behavior for the age group involved; (5) have positive but realistic expectations and focus on the child's strengths; (6) enforce the rules and limits of the class; (7) deal with the other children's reactions to the handicapped student; and (8) acknowledge personal feelings, attitudes, and levels of frustration. A short abstract bibliography on exceptional children is included. (DP)