HEALTH NEEDS OF EARLY CHILDHOOD SPECIAL EDUCATION LEARNERS

المؤلفون

  • Daniel L. Mpolomoka Unicaf University, Zambia
  • Rose Chikopela Chalimbana University, Zambia
  • Pelekelo Kabundula Unicaf University, Zambia
  • Moono Muvombo Kwame Nkrumah University, Zambia
  • Selina Banda Copperbelt University, Zambia
  • Namakau Noyoo Kwame Nkrumah University, Zambia
  • Beatrice Chirwa Chalimbana University, Zambia
  • Joseph Mwale Kwame Nkrumah University, Zambia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46827/ejse.v11i3.6078

الكلمات المفتاحية:

health needs، SEN، ECE، inclusive education، health support strategies

الملخص

This paper explores the health needs of early childhood education (ECE) learners with special educational needs and identifies effective strategies for integrating health support within ECE programs. A search of databases identified nine relevant studies that examined various aspects of health-related challenges faced by children with special needs in ECE settings. The findings reveal that these children often experience sensory, mobility, and medical challenges that require tailored educational interventions. Effective strategies for addressing these health needs include the integration of health services into educational frameworks, professional development for educators and collaboration between families, health professionals, and schools. Furthermore, the use of multimedia technologies and individualized health plans has been shown to enhance learning outcomes for children with special educational needs. The review highlights significant gaps in policy and resource allocation, emphasizing the need for stronger collaboration and advocacy for the inclusion of health support in ECE programs. This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on inclusive education by proposing actionable strategies for enhancing the health and well-being of children with special needs, ensuring that they have equitable access to quality early education.

 

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السير الشخصية للمؤلفين

  • Daniel L. Mpolomoka، Unicaf University, Zambia

    Dr. Daniel L. Mpolomoka is the Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs at Unicaf University, Zambia. He has 16 years of professional experience as a lecturer and researcher. Daniel taught at various government secondary schools before taking up a lectureship at the Zambian Open University (ZAOU), where he held many key administrative positions. His research interests include: Literacy Studies, Technological Education, Open and Distance Education in Higher Institutions of Learning, Adult Education, Special Education and Early Education Studies. Daniel has also published various articles in local and international refereed journals. He is an editorial board / reviewer for many reputable scientific journals.

  • Rose Chikopela، Chalimbana University, Zambia

    Dr. Rose Chikopela is a seasoned lecturer, researcher, and consultant in the Department of Educational Psychology, Sociology, and Special Education at Chalimbana University in Lusaka, Zambia. She currently serves as Assistant to the Deputy Vice Chancellor – Academics and chairs the Research Ethics Committee under the Directorate of Research, Postgraduate Studies, Consultancy, and Innovations. Her areas of specialization include Special Education, Early Childhood Education, and Guidance and Counselling. Dr. Chikopela has actively contributed to numerous research initiatives and has published extensively in international peer-reviewed journals. She also serves on the editorial boards of several academic journals across Zambia, Africa, Asia, and Europe, reflecting her broad engagement with the global academic community.

  • Pelekelo Kabundula، Unicaf University, Zambia

    Dr. Pelekelo P. Kabundula holds a Bachelor's Degree in Education and Special Education, a Master's Degree in Educational Psychology and a Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Psychology from the University of Zambia. His academic and professional expertise spans a wide range of topics within Educational Psychology, including but not limited to cognitive development, motivation, intelligence, classroom management, social development and educational research methodologies. His teaching and curriculum development efforts are equally commendable. Dr. Kabundula is proficient in designing and delivering modular courses in both Educational and Special Education domains. His instructional repertoire includes specialized areas such as neuropsychology, developmental dementias, inclusive teaching strategies, disability counselling and various other domains within Special Education and general Educational Psychology. Currently, Dr. Kabundula serves as a full-time Lecturer at Unicaf University Zambia, where he continues to contribute to the academic development of undergraduate and postgraduate students in Educational Psychology.

  • Moono Muvombo، Kwame Nkrumah University, Zambia

    Ms. Muvombo M. Moono is a lecturer at Kwame Nkrumah University in the School of Education, Department of Special Education. She has professional experience of 8 years in Special Education. Muvombo. M. Moono is currently a PhD fellow. She is also a Speech Communication Therapist (Speech, Communication and Language) in the field of Special Education. She is the Co-ordinator of the Early Childhood Education programme in the School of Education at Kwame Nkrumah University. She has also published various articles in local and international refereed journals.

  • Selina Banda، Copperbelt University, Zambia

    Dr. Selina Banda is an educationist. Her expertise is in food and nutrition, theatre for development, adult literacy and community nutrition. She has taught at various levels. She is a lecturer at the Copperbelt University with more than 15 years of experience in lecturing.

  • Namakau Noyoo، Kwame Nkrumah University, Zambia

    Namakau Noyoo is a lecturer at Kwame Nkrumah University in the School of Education, Department of Early Childhood Education. She has professional experience of 12 years in Early Childhood Education. Ms Namakau is currently an Early Childhood Education PhD student.

  • Beatrice Chirwa، Chalimbana University, Zambia

    Dr. Beatrice Chirwa is a distinguished academician, seasoned educator, and accomplished administrator with over three decades of experience in the education sector. She currently serves as the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, a position she has held for the past three years. In this capacity, she has played a pivotal role in steering academic excellence, policy implementation, and curriculum innovation. Prior to her current role, Dr. Chirwa served as a Senior Lecturer and Researcher for eight years, contributing extensively to academic scholarship and capacity building in higher education. Her earlier career includes an impressive 28 years as a subject teacher, where she honed her expertise in pedagogy and mentoring young minds.

  • Joseph Mwale، Kwame Nkrumah University, Zambia

    Joseph Mwale is a lecturer at Kwame Nkrumah University in the School of Education, Department of Early Childhood Education. He has seven years of professional experience in early childhood education and is currently a PhD Fellow. Mwale specializes in Pre-Mathematics and Early Childhood Science within the field of early childhood education. He is an accomplished lecturer and has published several articles in both local and international journals.

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التنزيلات

منشور

2025-06-18

إصدار

مجلد 11 عدد 3 (2025)

القسم

Articles

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