The opportunity for social interactions with others is very important for the development of all children. Through
social interactions, children begin to establish a sense of “self” and to learn what others expect of them. Although
social interactions for very young children primarily occur within the family, as children grow and develop, they
become more and more interested in playing and interacting with other children. When playing with others,
children learn appropriate social behaviors, such as sharing, cooperating, and respecting the property of others. In
addition, while interacting with their peers, young children learn communication, cognitive, and motor skills.
Most opportunities for social interactions among young children occur during play. This opportunity to play with
others is critical if a child is to develop appropriate social skills. Therefore, encouraging children with disabilities
and nondisabled children to play together is an extremely important part of instruction in integrated preschools.
The children must have the opportunity to play together if they are to become friends. These friendships will help
the nondisabled child form positive, accepting attitudes toward persons who are disabled. In addition, the child
who is disabled will have the opportunity to learn age-appropriate social skills.
