Young children vary widely in their skills, knowledge, backgrounds and abilities. Teaching has to effectively reach all children regardless of their abilities and disabilities. Effective instruction for all children requires specialized teaching and learning opportunities to access, participate, and thrive in the preschool classroom. Effective teachers are sensitive and skilled in interactions; they use ongoing formative assessment of each child's skills to plan instruction; and they choose and use curricula and activities that engage all children, regardless of their strengths or needs.