Coaches Recreational Coaches: How do you include special needs athletes into your classes?

[jrthegymnasticscoach]

Coaches,
How have you found success including children with special needs into your rec classes? If so, what techniques did you use?

For those who have found this task difficult tell me what seems to be the most difficult part of including special needs kids into your classes? Do you believe that special needs children SHOULD be included in regular classes?

Special needs could include, but not limited to children with sensory disorders, autism, ADHD, etc.

This subject is my topic for next week’s podcast and I would love some feedback. I will hosting a special guest who works for the LA Unified School District special ed department as Program Specialist. I’m looking forward to discussing this topic.

Listen to PODCAST HERE

 

[JBS]

We mainstream children with special needs into our regular class schedule. Children with special needs either have a parent or an aid with them during class in most cases.

 

[raenndrops]

For a while, we offered a class just for neurodivergent kids. The instructor actually has a degree in special education. The class was offered when the gym wasn't busy. Only half of the (very harsh) lights were on, and there were never more than four kids in the class.
Most of our athletes with special needs are mainstreamed into our rec classes. We lower the coach-to-student ratio if needed. If we know in advance, we also try to put the student with a more experienced coach, if possible. The adult bringing the child has to stay throughout the 55-minute practice, just in case.

 

[jrthegymnasticscoach]

We mainstream children with special needs into our regular class schedule. Children with special needs either have a parent or an aid with them during class in most cases.

I love this so much. Thank you for sharing.

 

[jrthegymnasticscoach]

For a while, we offered a class just for neurodivergent kids. The instructor actually has a degree in special education. The class was offered when the gym wasn't busy. Only half of the (very harsh) lights were on, and there were never more than four kids in the class.
Most of our athletes with special needs are mainstreamed into our rec classes. We lower the coach-to-student ratio if needed. If we know in advance, we also try to put the student with a more experienced coach, if possible. The adult bringing the child has to stay throughout the 55-minute practice, just in case.

Thank you so much for sharing.