I have had several special needs children through the years in my daycare and the other children loved them. I explained in very simple terms to my 2-5 yrs olds about the childs special needs/limitations and how it was our privilige to do all we could to make them feel part of our little family. Most recently I had a 2yrs old sight challenged little boy who blossomed from all the attention he got from the sighted children/myself. He benefited as did the others who learned compassion and patience.
Don't get me wrong, it is hard working with specially needs children, takes a lot of patience and love, but it is worth it and we all benefit. I don't have any special training nor have I been required by the state/county to get any as of yet. I would love to though.
By the way I am a newby and this is my first post, still trying to figure out how all this works
lilwonders