A curriculum resource manual for novice and out-of-field teachers of preschool varying exceptionalities programs: Assessment of need, construction and validation

The present study investigated adaptations and modifications to the prescribed preschool curriculum model (High/Scope) used in Orange County, Florida by teachers of regular and special education preschool classrooms. The adaptations and modifications identified facilitated development of a new curriculum resource manual for use in preschool special education classrooms. The resource manual enables novice, out-of-field, and experienced teachers of preschool varying exceptionalities classrooms to adapt the general curricular model to meet the special needs of all of their students.;The study utilized different methods of data collection for each of the three phases of the investigation; an initial needs survey, a post manual use questionnaire, and a content analysis of focus group discussion statements. Information gathered through the initial surveys led to the creation of a curriculum resource manual. The manual was then piloted with twenty teachers of preschool varying exceptionalities classrooms. A questionnaire was then completed following utilization of the manual for five months. After analysis of the post-use questionnaires, six teachers were selected to participate in a focus group discussion to elicit more detailed responses.;The results of the study yielded data validating the need for a curriculum resource manual for teachers of preschool varying exceptionalities classrooms. Analysis of post-use questionnaires showed that 100% of teachers found the manual useful and overwhelmingly (100%) argued that all teachers of preschool varying exceptionalities classrooms should have access to the manual. Analysis of the data gathered from the follow-up questionnaire and focus group provided suggestions for modifications and additions to the manual.