This master's thesis addresses the experiencing the challenges faced by six parents of children with special needs who are included in regular kindergarten classes.
The theoretical part defines the main characteristics of different groups of children with special needs. It presents the most common challenges parents face, starting with the birth of a child with special needs, when parents begin to cope with various emotions and the acceptance of differences. Alongside this, family dynamics change, often accompanied by time and financial pressures. Since parents find it difficult to overcome these challenges on their own, various support options are presented. The most important is being well-informed and supported by professionals, family and friends, and support groups. New challenges arrive, when a child with special needs begins to integrate into the educational system. This work describes the process of educating children with special needs with an emphasis the regular kindergarten program and parental involvement in their inclusion.
In the empirical part, the results are presented using the phenomenological method. They are divided into six main themes: experiencing challenges, factors for the successful inclusion of children with special needs in regular classes, expectations and experiences of inclusion in regular classes, experiences of cooperation with the kindergarten and adjustments for children with special needs, support for parents, and the most common positive and negative experiences. The results showed that parents of children with special needs encounter numerous challenges in the inclusion process, which they experience differently. Despite the challenges parents remain optimistic and persistent, with every small progress giving them strength and hope for the future.
The results of the master's thesis can be helpful primarily to parents of children with special needs, educational professionals, and psychotherapists. They can also assist all those striving to improve inclusion and understanding of the challenges faced by families with children with special needs.
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