Early Childhood Education | Children with Differing Abilities Research Project

Assignment Overview/Purpose:

As early childhood professionals, it is essential to recognize that every child develops with unique abilities and strengths. These abilities exist along a continuum that may include physical, cognitive, health/medical, communication, behavioral/emotional, and neurodiverse differences. At times, these differences are formally identified as disabilities, while other times they may simply reflect variations in how children learn, grow, and interact with the world.

To provide meaningful learning experiences for all children, we must analyze and understand these diverse abilities, the characteristics associated with them, and the supports children and families may need. This includes developing strategies to foster inclusive environments where each child can thrive. By exploring both identified disabilities and neurodiversity, you will strengthen your ability to advocate for children, collaborate with families, and create equitable opportunities for learning and development.

Connected Course Competencies and Program Outcomes:

Course Competencies

• Analyze the abilities of children with physical, cognitive, health/medical, communication, and/or behavioral/emotional disorders
• Analyze the abilities of children with neurodiversity

Program Outcomes:

• Apply Child development theory to practice
• Assess child growth and development
• Use effective, research-based practices in teaching and learning

Directions/Task:

To complete this assignment you should complete the following tasks/actions in order. 

Part one: Research Paper- 55 points

Pick a category out of a hat in class, from there you will choose a disability from that category to write a 4-6 page paper, with 4 creditable references.

1+ Source from Credo

1+ Source from ERIC or EBSCO

1+ Source from Professional Organization

1+ Sources from Reputable Website

Your paper should include at least these sections:

• Introduction
• Explanation of Disability
  • How is the child diagnosed? What is the disability
• Characteristics of the child’s needs
  • Examples (physical differences, mental differences, adaptive equipment, ect.)
• Educational Considerations
  • What does that child need to be successful in the classrooms
• Parenting Considerations
  • What do the parents need? What supports as educators can we give?
• Conclusion

What is the best way to tackle this project?

The best approach to any big project involves breaking the process into smaller, more manageable tasks.  Here is a suggested breakdown of the project in 7 Steps:

• Step #1: Choose a Topic + Create Title Page
• Step #2: Find 4+ Quality Sources that meet the assignment criteria:
  • 1+ Source from Credo
  • 1+ Source from EBSCO
  • 1+ Source from Professional Organization
  • 1+ Sources from Reputable Website
• Step #3: Create an APA Reference Entry for Each Source

  • 1st deadline: September 14, 2025  = TITLE/REFERENCES: submit Title page + Reference page to Keri: 

    • grokowskyk@westerntc.edu

• Step #4: Read Sources Carefully 
  • Find Answers to Required Questions/Headings
  • Highlight/Take Notes/Identify Specific Evidence and Ideas for Paper

• Step #5: 2nd deadline: September 24, 2025 = Submit Partial Draft to Online Writing Center for Feedback

  •  Revised Title Page, Headings for all Sections, Introduction plus 1 Body Paragraph with Citations, Revised Reference Page…submitted to OWC for feedback
  • Online Writing Center Submission Form

• Step #6: Revise and Complete Full Draft of Paper

  • Revise Title page, Intro, Body Paragraph, References based on WC Feedback
  • Finish remaining body paragraphs and conclusion
  • OPTIONAL: Submitted full draft to Online Writing Center for Feedback

• Step #7: Final Deadline: October 8, 2025 Final Paper = Submit on Blackboard

  • 3rd Deadline: FINAL COPY of Lit Review, adhering to all APA standards, formal-academic writing style