Inclusion Classes

We are most likely moving to another district, but if not, Genevieve will be in an inclusion class for 1st grade.

I'm fine with it. Just read some info the teacher sent online. If we DO stay in the district, do I prepare her ahead of time (not sure what the kids are like and if it something that needs preparing for?)

I am a little worried since I've heard that sometimes there are too many special needs kids in one class and it stretches the teachers thin (there are two teachers in her room) But I'll cross that bridge if we ever get to it.

Can anyone give me a little more information on this? I'm such a worrier

Re: Inclusion Classes

My eldest was in two inclusion classes. I don't really feel as though she fell behind, or that the teachers were spread thin. They had 4 teachers in her room though, the kids who needed a lot of help had their own teacher with them. I think it really helped her a lot, she's sensitive to others and is much more understanding of other kids struggles than she was before. I think that is one of the benefits of an inclusion class.

Re: Inclusion Classes

It depends on the district. In ours, there are only 2 (give or take) SN kids in an inclusion class. In some districts it's 50/50. The kids (from what I understand) are usually pretty high functioning in inclusion.

I don't think she needs any special prep. She might not be able to tell between the SN kids and the typical. I would just explain to her that everyone is different, and to treat everyone with dignity and respect. The basic stuff.

I would hope that if the teachers feel it's not an appropriate setting that they would speak up and change it.

I wouldn't worry. I've heard great things about inclusion.

Re: Inclusion Classes

I wouldn't worry about all. In my district, parents actually try to request the inclusion class because they have heard great things about it.

My son was in the inclusion class for kindergarten and he had 17 kids in his class; 8 were special needs with one regular ed teacher, one special ed teacher and one aide. I thought it was great - he had 3 adults in the classroom at all times. He will also be in the inclusion class this year for first grade too.

When a normal class could have 24-26 kids in it with only one teacher, I feel it is a bonus to have the other teachers and less kids

Re: Inclusion Classes

I feel like my dd lucked out with an inclusion class last year. While there were SN children, there were also additional teacher to help with the entire classroom.

I'm not sure how old G is but I felt like my dd was in that class because her personality was more easy going, understanding & didn't react or inflame situations. Actually most of the kids in the class had similar personalities with a few higher maintenance kids.

My friend in another district was worried when her son was put in an inclusion class, to the point of asking me about how to go about switching out of it. I talked her into staying & I have to say she was so happy that she did.

We both felt like our children got extra attention being in IC.

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My DH was in the integrated class for kindergarten and will be in it again for first grade. In my district is is half IEP kids and e other haf typical. You will not know who they are in the class and what they are there for... It could be for high functioning autism, anxiety, speech.the teachers are trained to react I. This type of class. I have to say in my school . Parents lobby to get there kids into the integrated class. There are 2 teachers and an aide, they get more attention, and the teachers in my school are phenomenal..

For my son, moving districts to this type of class was the best decision we could have made. He thrived in this type of class. He really could have been transitioned to a regular class but my feeling was if it worked for him once, keep him in until he needs to be transitioned and the teachers agreed.

In regards to academics, the integrate declass does the same cirriculum as the regular classes. In fact I think they did even more and are more prepared than some of my friends kids who are in the other class...

Do not be worried. You will be doing the best thing for your child...

Good luck.

Re: Inclusion Classes

Re: Inclusion Classes

how does one know their child will be in an inclusion class? are you told prior to the school year start?

Re: Inclusion Classes

Re: Inclusion Classes

My friend's twins were in inclusion for 1st grade. She too was concerned about it in the beginning. Once she experienced it, she loved it! She said that because there were more teachers the kids were actually able to do more than the typical classes. She requested inclusion again for them for 2nd grade (didn't get it, but that is what she wanted).

Re: Inclusion Classes

I teach in an inclusion class and I would totally request one for my own child (and will when the time comes). If you are concerned, ask what their inclusion model is...in my district we have a special ed teach, a general ed teacher, and a full time aide (who is usually a certified teacher). Some children may have 1:1 aides, but not always. Our ratio is usually 8:1 (3 teachers, 24 students).That model is not a requirement. Some district have gone to a consult model to save money. That means there is a general ed teacher and a special ed teacher pushes in for a part of the day. I personally wouldn't want that model for my child, general ed or special ed, because the ratio isn't much better than a general ed. classroom and some of the students may have more educational/behavioral needs. Thats my own 2 cents about it, though. Good luck!


My DD was in an inclusion class last year. It was NOT a good situation for her. It was not "true" inclusion although, they represented it as such. It was set up were the Special Ed teacher pushed in and pulled out here and there for the inclusion kids. There was a full time aide and the Regular teacher. There were 25 kids, 8 were inclusion. All of the inclusion kids were ADD or ADHD as part of their diagnoses. There was lots of disctractions. They are great kids, most of which I know personally. IMO the class was too big and they needed the SPecial Ed teacher in there FULL TIME. For my child, it was Waaaaay to distracting to have the chaos that went on in that class. She did not fair well. I think some kids can do well in there, but not mine. I also think the set up of the the inclusion class is key.

Re: Inclusion Classes

I want to preface this with the fact that not ALL inclusion classes are bad. It really will depend on what the IEP or needs of the child are.

Last year, DD was in one and it was awful. This kid had behavioral issues and it was an overcrowded kindergarten class. The kid had a paraprofessional assigned to him, but oh man was that not enough. The teacher was overwhelmed (and she was a great teacher) and the situation right up until the last day was not great. He had bathroom issues, screaming issues, and probably a few others.

I was FLOORED when I did research and realized that there are NO SAFEGUARDS in place for the 25 kids that were put through this all year. All the safeguards are on the IEP children. I struggled with guilt all year for calling it out, but I just couldn't stand by and watch this go on.

His parents fought classification and he stayed mainstream. I went to EVERY board meeting armed to the teeth with research and knowledge. Class size in inclusion does make a huge, huge difference...so I gave scenarios on if he stayed or went to Special Ed.

In June I found out that they were creating a third class for the kids, lowering the class size to 16. Hallelujah!

I guess my point is. Talk to your child. Talk to your principal See how the situation is going the first few weeks. I found out inadvertently when asking DD about her day. I was then calling Board members and Superintendents all the time...it was quite the task. Parents have to realize that they have to advocate for all children....especially there own.

Re: Inclusion Classes

My son was in an inclusion class last year for kindergarten and it was a wonderful. I was a little nervous at first that he would not get his fair share of attention in class because the teachers would focus on those who may have needed more, but that was not the case at all. His teachers were great and all of the kids were wonderful.

Re: Inclusion Classes