Date of Graduation
1999
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Type
MA
College
College of Education and Human Services
Committee Chair
Diane Woodrum
Committee Member
Steven Rinehart
Committee Member
Elizabeth Dooley
Abstract
A regional descriptive study was conducted in Western Pennsylvania, throughout a five county area. Preschool teachers (N= 80, return rate 23.7%) of three and four year old children were surveyed to gain descriptive information about their preparation and training as a preschool teacher and their experience with preschool children with disabilities in their classrooms. Results indicate that most teachers have a Bachelors degree although many did not have this degree in early childhood education. It was found that almost every preschool has at least one child with disabilities enrolled in its program, but only half of the preschool teachers surveyed say they have experience teaching children with disabilities. Most special needs students in Western Pennsylvania attend Intermediate Unit facilities for children of special needs that are mandated by the state department. There are support systems for special needs students in preschools, but the consistency of professional intervention and aid for specific needs within preschools is questionable.
Recommended Citation
Sterling, Stephanie Ann, "Preschool teaching experience and special education support systems: A survey of western Pennsylvania." (1999). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports. 10360.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/10360