What type of support would best integrate a first grader with a mild intellectual disability into a general education classroom?

A modified academic curriculum is the most effective support for integrating a first grader with a mild intellectual disability into a general education classroom because it allows for tailored instruction that aligns with the student's individual learning needs while still maintaining access to the general curriculum. By modifying the content, expectations, and learning strategies, teachers can make the material more accessible, thus promoting engagement and success among students with identified learning challenges.

This approach enables the child to participate meaningfully in class alongside their peers, fostering academic growth and social inclusion. While ensuring that the curriculum is suitably challenging, modifications can help the child grasp essential concepts and skills at their own pace. In contrast, relying solely on social skills training or additional recess time may not address the academic needs of the student, while full inclusion without any support could lead to frustration and a lack of progress.