Sharon M. Darling

Sharon M. Darling, Ph.D. earned her doctorate from Georgia State University in Atlanta, GA. She is currently an Associate Professor at Florida Atlantic University where she prepares pre-service and in-service professionals to work with young children and their families. Dr. Darling has conducted research, published books and scholarly articles, and given numerous international, national, and local presentations on curriculum, behavior, and addressing the needs of children and families with and without special needs within inclusive environments. Children and families who are from diverse backgrounds are of special interest. Her research areas are focused on young children with disabilities, preparing personnel to work within special education and blended, developmentally appropriate, inclusive learning environments, and disability studies.

KEYWORDS: Early childhood/early childhood special education (ECE/ECSE), developmentally appropriate practice in ECE/ECSE, disability studies, inclusion, young children with special needs, special education, and special education teacher education.