An Examination of Classroom Transitions of Syrian Children with Special Needs and Typically Developing Turkish Children

Authors : Mehmet Kumru

Pages : 76-88

Doi:10.32568/jfce.1792188

View : 45 | Download : 127

Publication Date : 2026-01-02

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :The global increase in refugee populations has significantly impacted early chıldhood education systemsi especially in host countries. With the beginning of the civil war in Syria in 2011, Turkey experienced a large influx of refugees. A significant portion of this population consists of persons younger than 18 years old, with the exact number of children under five who have special needs remaining unknown. Being a refugee and having special needs each constitute significant social challenges on their own; however, children who experience both simultaneously face even more complex developmental issues. This study aims to examine preschool teachers’ perspectives on the classroom experiences of refugee children who have special educational needs and typically developing children. The research was conducted using a qualitative phenomenological design. Criterion sampling was employed to select the study group, with criteria including: (1) the presence of children in the classroom who are both refugees and have special needs, and (2) the enrollment of these children in preschool education with typical Turkish children. The study included ten preschool teachers from Sakarya province, three of whom currently work with refugee children with special needs, while seven have prior experience with this group. Data were collected through demographic forms and semi-structured interviews, and analyzed using content analysis. Initial findings revealed that teachers perceive the co-occurrence of language, culturel barriers, and special needs as significant challenges, with these children experiencing social isolation, difficulties in self-expression, problem solving and communication problems with their same age children.
Keywords : Özel gereksinim, okul öncesi öğretmeni, mülteci çocuklar, okul öncesi eğitim, tipik gelişim gösteren çocuklar

ORIGINAL ARTICLE URL