5N2396: James Robinson attends your mainstream preschool 5 mornings a week. You have been assigned as a key worker to James: Children with Additional Needs Case Study, OC, Ireland

James Robinson attends your mainstream preschool 5 mornings a week. You have been assigned as a key worker to James who is 3 years old and has Down Syndrome. James lives with his parents and his younger brother Sean and the family live locally. James was born with two holes in his heart and had medical treatment in the hospital when he was two; he often has chest infections and does not attend on these occasions. From the start of this year, he has not had any substantial health problems.

James’s parents have witnessed the positive effects of preschool and are eager to support James when at home. James is a very physically active child and very able in many areas. He loves music, small world animals, looking at books sharing books, as well as being generally curious about everything. He has a pleasant disposition and enjoys coming to preschool.

His language is delayed and he uses pointing, facial expressions, gestures, and body language with words to get what he wants. When he becomes tired he may have a ‘tantrum’ due to his inability to communicate. He has very good gross motor skills but finds it difficult to take turns and can be a bit ‘overeager’ with other children when he is rushing to get on something outdoors. He is helpful and cooperative and very inquisitive.

He has good memory skills and although speech is delayed he is a very communicative child and finds alternatives to using speech and actively engages with others to communicate with them.

James has difficulty with coordination and manipulation using his fine motor skills. Each month in collaboration with his parents the preschool help identify appropriate and small goals for James. His parents are provided with a written plan that details how they will teach James the new skills and this is followed up with home activities with his parents. Time is allowed for him to practice his new skills every day.

Before setting a new skill we make sure he is confident and competent with plenty of practice; unless he shows an interest himself in achieving in a particular area then these will be incorporated into his new goals. James continues to make progress across all areas in his overall development.

1. Explain how you would promote this child’s Language Development by planning an appropriate activity for language development taking account of his interests and ability
2. Discuss how the child can be fully included in preschool activities and plan one activity that would aid his physical development in fine motor skills being mindful of health and safety
3. Discuss who will be involved in developing this IEP and the importance of effective communication and cooperation within the team.
4. Devise a sample IEP for this child, using the form given and using all the information in the child study.