Özet:

The purpose of this study was to examine the opinions and needs of preschool counselors about inclusive practices. For this purpose in-depth interviews were conducted with eight preschool counselors. In the schools where these counselors worked one or more children with special needs were enrolled. This study suggested that preschool counselors had limited knowledge and skills related to inclusive practices. Moreover, the primary needs of preschool counselors were about the topics of “characteristics of children with special needs,” “educational assessment and preparing Individualized Education Programs–IEPs, “deciding on which behavior modification method or strategy to use,” and “providing knowledge and support to preschool teachers about inclusive practices.” The results are discussed in line with the existing literature and inclusive practices in Turkey. Key Words: Preschool education, inclusion, counselors, opinions and needs, qualitative research, in-depth interview.

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