Early Childhood Special Education for Children Who Need Special Education in Turkey

Abstract

The early years of the life of a child are very important. During infancy and early childhood years, children grow fast and are ready to learn quickly. Early childhood development is an important point for a productive and regular life of a child who has special needs. Because of that, studies on brain and brain development and process have revealed that it is compulsory to provide support services for pregnant women and women who have newborn babies up to three years old. In early childhood term, 80% of the brain develops and due to that students' in-school, and life success are affected by early education experiences. Early intervention programs - if utilized from early pregnancy programs - are decreased the number of antenatal and postnatal problems or possible risks damages of new-born babies and, in some cases, avoid developmental delays of the child. If a child who has special needs make use of special education programs, he or she might maintain his/her life on his/her own. Some children and their families confront specific difficulties and need more help. Early intervention programs offer early intervention services to children who have special needs and their families in early childhood term. This study presents the current status and development of early intervention programs in Turkey. The study aims to describe the structure of special education and early intervention system in Turkey.

Keywords: Early childhood, Early intervention, Intervention programs, Special education