I asked this question yesterday-

Question

and several resposponders said that
(D) the child's needs -would be the best answer. Why couldn't (B) getting
the child ready for school- be a possible correct answer? Transition planning is to get the child into school to learn in an efficient and productive manner. Here is the question:

Transition planning for children with special needs should focus primarily on:

A. maintaining continuity of services
B. getting the child ready for school
C. the family's needs
D. the child's needs

Sorry- I know people are probably getting upset with me reposting the same question- but,I'm confused over this question. I do not understand why (B) couldn't be a possible correct answer. I do not know if the correct answer is (B) or (D). Which would be best?

You have been told and told why different people here think D is the correct answer -- and I agree with them. Now you'll either understand it or not. You'll agree or not. Eventually, you have to make your own decision and put down the answer you believe is best.

The key phrase is "with special needs." These children may have cognitive, emotional, social, or physical needs. Their education is based on their needs and how the school can meet their needs and educate them to achieve their maximum potential. A transition from preschool to kindergarten -- or any other transition -- must focus on the individual child's needs. This will be spelled out in the IEP (Individual Educational Plan).

What does it mean to "get the child ready for school"? For most children entering kindergarten, this means displaying independence, recognizing shapes and colors, showing large and small muscle physical dexterity, and ability to adapt to new situations.

When a special needs child enters kindergarten -- or makes any other transition -- the above criteria may not be applicable. These children may not be able to meet these criteria -- and yet they must attend school.

By federal special education laws, schools must adapt each child's education to meet his/her needs. The burden is on the school -- not the special needs child.

Another problem with B. getting the child ready for school is that the federal law states that a a handicapped child must be educated from age three. In Michigan, special needs children are entitled to a free public education from birth. Their education is on a continuum from preschool through elementary and high school. Therefore, "getting a child ready for school" is not applicable since they may be in school from infancy til they are adult.