ABSTRACT.
This study aimed to investigate the perception of educators regarding the needs of two babies with physical disabilities in the context of inclusion in the day care center. A multiple-case study was carried out. The participants were six educators who oversaw Mariana’s class, and four educators who oversaw Vitoria’s class, and all 10 educators answered a semi-structured interview. Both babies were physically disabled and attended public schools in Porto Alegre/Brazil. The data were analyzed through several readings of the material, which resulted in a clinical report. In relation to Mariana (age 24 months) the educators emphasized the baby’s need for stimuli and physical support, as well as the importance of affection in the educator-baby relationship, which was present as a more sensitive ‘extra thought’. As for Vitória (age 18 months), educators reinforced the importance of integration between the health and education fields, as well as closer attention to the different needs of the disabled baby. Based on the results, it was possible to observe within that ‘extra thought’ - highlighted by the educators as necessary to fulfill the needs of babies with physical disabilities - a demand for greater physical and psychic availability.
Keywords:
Babies; early childhood education; inclusive education