Introduction:The study purpose is to offer some action criteria, useful for educators informal and non-formal contexts, to interact and relate more effectively with children and preadolescents insocial disadvantage, fragility and marginality conditions, and thus achieve greater success. They live in an existential, family, relational, scholastic situation, etc. rather complex and therefore they require particular attention and special educational support to prevent social exclusion. This research is useful: on a theoretical level, to increase knowledge of minor special educational needs; on a methodological level, to enable educators to act more effectively in their work; on an operational level, to promote greater well-being in every educational context where a disadvantage minor life. Methodology: The research methodology uses, at the same time, a longitudinal participant observation in three residential educational communities (Lecce, Italy) for minors in social disadvantage and marginality condition and the systematic national and international literature review of the most relevant studies on the subject. Results: The study defines five special educational needs and four action criteria to promote life skills development in children and preadolescents characterized by social disadvantage, fragility, and marginality. Conclusions: The research shows that these minors have special educational needs, even without medical certification or disability. Their special education needs are growth needs, to be supported by the surrounding environment. The purpose of this study is also to invite pedagogical science to place itself more at the service of people's fragility and their needs.