A Case Study of Making a Preschool Class Inclusive :

Restructuring the Relationship between a Child with Special Needs and His Classmates

Abstract

In this case study, we described the process in which an isolated child with special needs was included into his preschool class, and the class became inclusive, focusing on the relationship with the child and his classmates. At the initial stage, he was excluded consciously by some children who were leaders of small cohesive groups, and was in isolation in his class. Introducing various activities, the teacher continuously attempted to make different relationships among children. At last, the strongly connected members of groups were disorganized, and new multiple friendships were built. In the process of realizing inclusion, not only the isolated child, but also the child who excluded him had changed to become friendly to others. These findings give us a new perspective in the study of inclusive preschool education.