The Role of Teachers in Developing Independence in Down Syndrome Children at SLB Yakalimu

Abstrak

Independence is one of the competencies needed by a person to be able to run his life. Likewise for Down Syndrome children, independence needs to be trained and requires special development so that the child's life skills develop well. The aim of this research is to describe the role of teachers in developing independence in Down Syndrome children at SLB Yakalimu. The method used is qualitative. Data collection techniques through observation and interviews. The subject of this research is a teacher who teaches children with Down Syndrome. The results of this research are that teachers act as facilitators, who understand the special needs of children with Down syndrome, adapt the curriculum and teaching methods to suit their abilities, and teachers create a learning environment that supports children with Down syndrome to feel accepted, appreciated and motivated to learn. Teachers as motivators, provide emotional support and build social relationships for children with Down syndrome. Teachers act as mentors who teach important life skills and encourage children with Down syndrome to do their own tasks such as dressing, eating and personal hygiene. In this way, teachers play a role in helping Down Syndrome children achieve their maximum potential and have independence.