How to Apply for Work with Exceptional Children

Remain Calm!

Dan Reveal
"Exceptional children...differ from the norm (either below or above) to such an extent that they require an individualized program of special education and related services to fully benefit from education."

As shown by this definition, exceptional children is a more useful term which describes children with special needs than, for example, retarded or gifted.

"Exceptional children" implies a proactive approach which enables these children to gain the full benefits of education.

The notion of "related services" also explains why you see newspaper advertisements placed by those seeking home care givers.

If you are going to be part of these related services, to actually apply for work with exceptional children, how would you prepare? What interview questions should you anticipate?

Providing a Resume

If you are going to apply for work with exceptional children, you have probably already established an interest in education and developmental issues which can be reflected in your resume.

For example, there is actually a college course called "Exceptional Children" which contains a wealth of information about the facts of cerebral palsy, diabetes, and so forth that would certainly be invaluable as you apply for work with exceptional children.

Other relevant information would include past experiences working in group homes or even having relatives with learning problems.

Lastly, personal references which show you as a thoughtful person are a must. Remember, as you apply for work with exceptional children, you are asking people to trust you with their children. You want to demonstrate a sense of kindness along with the more technical skills of your experience.

Body Language

As you apply for work with exceptional children, you will notice the interview will contain two parts. The first part of the interview allows you to provide your resume and lets the parents get to know you better.

The second part of the interview is where you will actually meet the exceptional child. Can you see how body language plays a part in your success? Remember, the parents are watching your reaction.

If you act shocked or disturbed when meeting the retarded child, for example, these parents aren't likely to hire you.

Remember to remain calm and friendly throughout the interview, then, as you apply for work with exceptional children.

Follow Up Thank You

Again, you might have formal education and related experience regarding exceptional children, but you are still going to be judged on your sense of courtesy and friendliness.

A follow up thank you note is especially appropriate as you apply for work with exceptional children.

In sum, as you apply for work with exceptional children, there are certain features of the interview which you can anticipate.

It's important to address relevant experience in your resume, for example, while continuing to appear calm and friendly to everyone involved.

Source: Personal experience

Exceptional children

http://www.education.com/reference/article/who-exceptional-children/

Published by Dan Reveal

Come walk with me. I'll share my umbrella.  View profile

9 Comments

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  • Shelly Barclay4/28/2011

    All children are exceptional. :)

  • Walton S. Tissot4/6/2011

    ***** very interesting

  • rmharrington4/5/2011

    What wonderful and thoughtout writing, my friend. I like the way you are always thinking about other people. Great work.

  • Lori Gunn4/4/2011

    excellent :)

  • Sherri Thornhill4/4/2011

    Good advice Dan:)

  • Memmay Moore4/4/2011

    Well said.

  • Mike Powers4/4/2011

    Excellent information in this article. Thanks!

  • Delicia Powers4/4/2011

    Thanks Dan!

  • Jack Wellman4/4/2011

    How to write an exceptional article you could teach us about. You yourself are most exceptional my dear friend and brother in Christ. God bless you. This is really good.

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