Reviewing the life skills activity program for children with special needs during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

The pandemic, which occurs in all parts of the world has changed the order of the learning process for children with special education needs (SEN) which was initially carried out face-to-face to the online distance learning from home. This study aims to see the impact of the Inclusive Teaching (I-Teach) model on the life skills of early childhood students with special needs while studying from home during the covid-19 pandemic. This study is survey research with data analysis using the percentage of life skills assessment in children with special needs, carried out at 6 early childhood education institutions that have children with special needs totaling 12 students with the following specifications: 5 students with autism spectrum disorder, 1 student with speech delay, 2 students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, 1 student with down syndrome, and 3 other students who have not been diagnosed.The research found that, from the six aspects of special needs childrens'  life skills, most of them can self-feeding. It showed when children used the cutlery to clean the dishes by themselves. Meanwhile, for the dressing skill, personal hygiene, self-awareness, safety, and others, children still need reinforcement from parent and teacher.        

Keywords: Life Skills, SEN, Early Childhood