Assessing and facilitating play in handicapped children.

Area of Science:

• Child Development
• Special Education
• Play Therapy

Background:

• Play is a vital component of early childhood education.
• Its role in social and cognitive development is well-established.
• Specific considerations are needed for handicapped children.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the significance of play in educational curricula for handicapped children.
• To advocate for facilitated play interventions.
• To provide a framework for planning play programs.

Main Methods:

• Discussion of the importance of play for development.
• Advocacy for play facilitation at the child's functional level.
• Presentation of a sample play program and planning considerations.

Main Results:

• Play programs can effectively promote social and cognitive growth in handicapped children.
• Tailored facilitation enhances play's benefits.
• Structured planning addresses potential challenges.

Conclusions:

• Integrating facilitated play into educational curricula is essential for handicapped children.
• Individualized play programming maximizes developmental outcomes.
• Careful planning ensures effective implementation.