Cerebral Palsy Mini-Module - Educational Implications

Preschoolers with CP are entitled to a free, appropriate public education, in the least restrictive environment, with peers who are typically developing as part of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This means that "all" children can attend and benefit from the same child care programs. It means that children with disabilities go to the same programs they would attend if they did not have a disability.

Children with CP are referred to Early Intervention and are eligible under the IDEA Other Health Impaired category. Children with CP often obtain related services to help them receive an education. Services are determined through a timely and extensive evaluation and the child's needs are outlined in an Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP). a written document created by a team of professionals and the parents that outlines the supports and services a child with a disability and their family will receive.

Depending on the severity of the CP and needs of the child you may be working with several related service providers. These specialists may include:

Physical therapists (PTs) specialize in evaluating gross motor function, treating movement problems and facilitate the development of movement skills.
Occupational therapists (OTs) evaluate motor and sensory impairments and work to develop fine motor skills.
Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) address functions involving the muscles in and around the face, mouth, throat and chest, including communication concerns, breathing and feeding.

Below are some examples of things a child with CP might need to be successful in an early childhood setting:

Safe, appropriate transportation (such as wheelchair accessible bus).
Educational and therapeutic services (occupational, physical or speech therapy)
Adaptive equipment (such as a prone stander or wheelchair)
Environmental adaptations (to maximize visual or hearing abilities) to classroom, circle time activities, etc.
Augmentative communication devices so the child can participate in daily routine
An aide to assist with personal needs (feeding or toileting)
Health and safety plans (such as medication administration or seizure protocol)

In addition to these physical needs in the education setting, children with CP may need assistance with emotional issues such as social integration and peer relationships. Special attention to these issues may be needed at each new developmental level as a physical disability can impact body image and self-esteem.

For example, in Martha's preschool classroom, the children are making milkshakes in a blender. Martha has adapted the blender with a simple single switch device. Children measure and add the ingredients to the blender. Joey, a 4-year-old with CP, then activates the switch on cue from one of his peers and the milkshakes are made. This example gives Joey an opportunity to participate with his peer in both an educational and fun experience.