Integration of Children with Special Needs in Regular Kindergartens, in the Arab Sector in Israel, from the Perspective of Kindergarten Teachers and Principals

The aim of the study was to examine the attitudes and point of view of kindergarteners in Arab society in Israel regarding the issue of integrating children with special needs within the regular kindergarten. This study relies on the qualitative approach, and the tool is an interview. The participants are 30 teachers from the Arab sector in Israel, all of whom are married with at least 2 children, and with 5 years of experience work as kindergarten principals. In addition, they have experienced integrating children with special needs as part of their kindergarten work. The findings of the study indicate that the interviewees have a positive attitude towards integration, and understanding of the importance of integration for children. However, they claim that there are some difficulties and challenges in the implantation that hinder this integration. The participants highlighted the difficulties that began from their lack of personal training regarding various disabilities of children and treatment methods, parents' cooperation and infrastructure problems.