Training Classroom and Resource Preschool Teachers to Develop Inclusive Class Interventions for Children With Disabilities

Abstract

Four preschool supervisors were individually trained in a collaborative team approach in which classroom and resource teachers together developed a plan to increase the peer interactions of the entire class, including children with disabilities. The purpose of the research was to assess the generalization of effects to a new program target (children's on-task behavior during circle time) and over time (3 months). The experimental phases of baseline, supervisor training, and follow-up were introduced in a multiple-baseline design across four preschool classes, each containing 2 children with disabilities. Behaviors of teachers, 8 children with disabilities, and 8 comparison children were measured during daily 20-min training sessions (indoor play periods) and generalization sessions (circle time). Results indicated that following supervisor training, teachers increased their focus on groups of children that included children with disabilities in both training and generalization sessions. After supervisor training, children with disabilities and comparison children increased their peer interactions during training sessions and their on-task behavior during circle time. Changes in teachers' and children's behaviors in both settings were maintained at the 3-month follow-up observation. Implications for teacher training and consultation are discussed.