In early childhood education, young children with special needs are learning to engage in both social play and educational activities. We will focus on the importance on developing and establishing relationships through adaptations to the program, materials, and environments. It is the relationship between teachers/caregivers and children with special needs that create the active engagement necessary to foster academic and social/emotional growth. The goal of this presentation is to give participants strategies to create a team approach to services where children with special needs understand and follow teacher expectations through activities including circle time, play time, and sensory play.