Adapting Activities for Children with Developmental Delays - post

What does “ #developmental delay” mean in child care?

A developmental delay means a child is #learning skills more slowly than most children the same age. The delay may be in one area, like talking, or in several areas, like movement, social skills, or self-help skills.

Children with #delays still want to #play, learn, and belong. When we #adapt activities, we help them join in with confidence. That is what #inclusion looks like in real life.

Why should we adapt activities instead of “waiting” for a child to catch up? 

When a child struggles in an activity, they may:

• feel frustrated or embarrassed
• avoid group time
• act out to escape a hard task
• miss chances to practice new skills

Small changes can help a child succeed right now. Success builds motivation. Motivation leads to more learning.

How do I know an activity needs adapting?

You do not need a diagnosis to make helpful changes. Watch what happens during play and routines.

Signs an activity may be too hard (right now) include:

• the child quits quickly or cries often
• the child wanders away during group activities
• the child gets “stuck” and cannot start
• the child copies others but does not understand the task
• the child becomes upset by noise, touch, or messy materials

A helpful goal is: Make the activity “just right.” Not too easy. Not too hard.

What are the easiest ways to adapt any activity?

Try thinking in three parts: Space, Stuff, and Steps.

• Space (where the activity happens)
• move to a quieter area
• reduce distractions on the table
• offer a small-group version instead of whole-group
• Stuff (materials you use)
• use bigger crayons, thick pencils, or easy-grip tools
• swap scissors for tear paper
• add picture cards or real objects to show meaning
• Steps (how the child does it)
• break the activity into 2–3 small steps
• model first, then do it together, then let the child try
• give extra wait time (silence helps processing)

These changes support #specialneeds without changing your whole day.

How can I adapt activities for movement and fine-motor skills?

Some children have trouble with balance, strength, or hand control. You can still offer art, blocks, and games—just make them easier to handle.

Try these ideas:

• Art
• tape paper to the table so it does not slide
• offer stampers, sponges, or dot markers
• let the child paint with a thicker brush
• Blocks and manipulatives
• start with large blocks before small ones 
• use a tray to keep pieces from spreading out
• offer fewer pieces at first
• Cutting and pasting
• use pre-cut shapes for the child to place and glue
• offer sticker shapes instead of glue
• use spring-loaded scissors (if allowed by your program)

How can I adapt activities for #language and communication? 

Some children understand more than they can say. Others need simpler words or visual support.

Helpful supports include:

• Use short sentences (one idea at a time)
• Show while you tell (point, gesture, demonstrate)
• Offer choices: “Do you want blue or red?”
• Use visual cues like photos, picture cards, or a simple chart
• Repeat key words in a calm voice

During story time, you can adapt by:

• reading shorter #books
• pausing to name pictures
• letting children hold a story prop (like a toy animal from the book)

How can I adapt activities for social skills and behavior?

A child with delays may want friends but not know how to join play. They may also get overwhelmed and show big feelings.

Try these supports:

• Teach one simple play role (example: “You stir the soup.”)
• Use a buddy system with a kind peer
• Practice turn-taking with a short, fun game
• Give a clear job during circle time (page turner, pointer, helper)

If behavior is challenging, consistency matters. A simple plan helps everyone respond the same way. ChildCareEd’s #free Mini Behavior Support Plan can help teams stay aligned.

How can I adapt for #sensory needs (noise, touch, movement)?

Some children are very sensitive to sound, lights, textures, or crowded spaces. Others seek lots of movement.

You can support sensory needs by:

• offering a quiet break spot with a soft seat
• using a visual schedule so children know what is next
• letting a child use headphones (if your program allows)
• adding “ #heavy-work” jobs like carrying books or pushing a basket

A simple, calming routine can also help children reset. ChildCareEd’s free resource Calm and Focus Time is one easy option to add to your day. 

How do I keep children included during circle time and group activities?

Circle time can be hard for children who need movement or extra processing time. You can keep it inclusive by changing how children participate.

Try:

• keeping circle time shorter (5–10 minutes for many groups)
• letting children hold a fidget or small prop
• using songs with motions
• offering a seat option (carpet square, chair, wiggle cushion)
• allowing a child to stand behind the group if that helps them focus

Remember: participation can look different. A child may listen quietly while holding a toy. That can still be learned.

How do I work with families and specialists in a respectful way?

Families know their children best. If a child has an IFSP or IEP, families and specialists may share goals and strategies that help.

Good collaboration looks like:

• asking: “What helps at #home?”
• sharing observations (facts, not labels)
• trying one strategy at a time and reporting back
• celebrating progress, even small steps

If you need to talk about concerns, focus on support: “I want to make sure we are meeting your child’s needs.”

What ChildCareEd courses can help me learn more?

Here are a few ChildCareEd courses that connect directly to adapting activities and supporting children with delays (all listed in the ChildCareEd course catalog).

• Understanding Developmental Disabilities 
• Special Needs: From Referral to Inclusion 
• Tailoring Instruction to Children's Needs 

One related ChildCareEd article to read next

• Understanding Sensory Processing in Young Children 

Stay connected for more tips

For quick ideas you can use in your #classroom, follow ChildCareEd on social media. 📲 Follow on Facebook: