Abstract
This paper presents the interviews of parents whose children with speech and language disorders (SLD) and studying in mainstream kindergartens without any preschool rehabilitation services provided by Social Welfare Department (HKSAR). According to statistics released by Department of Health in 2006, there are around 5%-10% children are suffering from SLD. Officially, they are recommended to one of the preschool rehabilitation services provided by Social Welfare Department (HKSAR) after completing the language assessments provided by Child Assessment Service, Department of Health (HKSAR). However, many children with SLD have not received services from government. One of the main reasons is that many children with SLD have not been identified in three years old or above. Those children admitted normal mainstream kindergartens, which do not provide speech and language training, and supports for educating those children with special needs. Interviews were conducted to three parents whose children were suffering from mild to moderate speech and language disorders and currently studying in mainstream kindergartens. The first scope is to illustrate their needs in language trainings and appropriate educational supports, the children’s life in kindergartens, parents’ views on education needs, current supports in speech and language trainings, current teaching methods in mainstream kindergartens, and needs in children’s whole person growth were summarized. Moreover, challenges faced by parents and children when studying in mainstream kindergartens such as negative relationships with teachers, poor relationships with kindergartens, inadequate supports provided by kindergartens, and difficulties in searching for government services were documented.
Original language | English |
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Publication status | Published - Sept 2011 |
Event | The 4th International Conference on Educational Research (ICER) 2011 - Khon Kaen, Thailand Duration: 09 Sept 2011 → 10 Sept 2011 |
Conference
Conference | The 4th International Conference on Educational Research (ICER) 2011 |
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Country/Territory | Thailand |
City | Khon Kaen |
Period | 09/09/11 → 10/09/11 |
Citation
Law, C. W. N. (2011, September). Needs and challenges of children with speech and language difficulties in Hong Kong mainstream kindergartens: Parental views. Paper presented at the 4th International Conference on Educational Research (ICER) 2011, Khon Kaen, Thailand.Keywords
- Inclusive education
- Speech and language disorders
- Special needs
- Preschool education