The Primary program is designed for all children in the church. If you have a child with special needs or if you are in the presidency or a teacher of children with special needs it can be difficult to know the best way to approach the situation. It is important to be very open in your communication. Here are five tips to help you best meet the needs of a special needs child.
1) It is important to have a meeting between the Primary president and the parents of the child. This can even be done over the phone. During this meeting it is important to learn the best situation for the child. You can find out if certain routines are more effective and also any areas that may upset the child.
2) Consistency is always best with a special needs situation. Make sure that the teacher who is assigned is good about coming consistently. Be sure to warn the child if there is going to be a change in routine (i.e. practicing for the Sacrament program). You may consider signals or pictures to help the child know which step is coming next.
3) It is helpful for the teacher to understand the best ways to reach the child. You can provide information to the teacher about the best way to do this. The parents may want to share any tricks or advice that they have learned from their child attending school.
4) You may consider having the teacher you have assigned moving up with the class one year. I wouldn’t do this every year, but if you do it alternating years it can be easier on the child, since he will not have to make as many adjustments.
5) The goal should be to include all children in as much Primary as you can. If one of the children is having an especially difficult time with opening exercises or sharing time you may consider having an alternate place for him to go. You should periodically try to have him begin coming again. You may want to assign a teacher specifically to him to help him through these difficult times. This adult can focus specifically on making sure the child’s needs are always being met.
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Primary Time: Helping Your Reluctant Child Attend Primary