Benefits of Inclusion in Early Childhood Education Early childhood education is evolving into a more inclusive environment for everyone. Pappanikou Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service and Michael J. 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In addition to these basic benefits of inclusion in special education, there are also several side benefits. We are delighted that the federal government shares this commitment. All children benefit from inclusive education, because it allo ws them . Academic Benefits of Inclusion for Students Without Disabilities As schools are increasingly challenged to serve a diverse student population. The family of the disabled student benefits by being integrated more easily into the school’s society. Inclusive classrooms are filled with diverse learners, each of whom has strengths and challenges. The IECE project aligned with the Proposal for key principles of a Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) (2014)(link is external). Skip to main content Watch the following video clips and read the following research brief to learn more about ways to welcome everyone in your program. It is particularly important given the current emphasis in research on the developmental significance of early childhood experiences. Most young children have not yet been exposed to stereotypes attached to people with visible and invisible disabilities. Departments of Education and Health and Human Services released a policy statement highlighting the importance of making sure that all young children with disabilities have access to inclusive high-quality early childhood programs. Your email address will not be published. Another important teaching strategy in an inclusive classroom is creating and maintaining a routine, as this promotes a sense of security in students regardless of their learning styles or abilities. Despite its benefits, inclusion still poses many challenges for teachers. The effects are most positive for children facing ‘multiple disadvantage’ in their early lives (Sylva et al, 2014, p. 25). Access to quality early childhood education (ECE) for all children. Inclusive learning environments help develop positive self-images, friendship and social skills, problem-solving, and respect for others. Special education professionals also provide additional information, support, and suggestions, Teaching Strategies for an Inclusive Classroom. 5 Tips for Early Childhood Inclusion There are many benefits to including children with disabilities in typical preschools and child care centers, including: Young children have opportunities to learn from and share experiences with each other. This was produced by the European Commission Thematic Working Group on ECEC to support Member States to develop quality ECEC systems as part of the education system. This allows teachers to tailor lessons to best fit each student’s learning style and provides students with opportunities to get up and move around or use fidgets that can help them concentrate. They may find that they have more in common with other kids than they thought. The National Quality Standards (NQS) also promote inclusion by referencing “each child” across all quality areas and provides guidelines on how early education and care services can meet expectations for an inclusive practice. From the proje… All kids benefit from exploring the four defined areas of developmental skills when at play. Experienced Early Childhood Educators Presentation Team Linda Brekken Amanda Schwartz Webinar Objectives Define inclusion in ECE settings Discuss benefits and challenges Learn successful strategies from state and local educators. Studies have shown that students of all developmental styles benefit from their involvement in an inclusive learning environment. Kids tend to absorb the behaviors and attitudes they see around them. This includes positive models for learning, communication and behaviors. How Do Children Benefit from Inclusion? An inclusive toddler/preschool program integrates special education and related services into all aspects of the daily program. Eredics also suggests starting each day stress-free by asking students to do three things when they enter the classroom: unpack their backpacks and hang up their coats, turn in any homework, and do a calming activity of their own choosing. Inclusion is a … Its objective is to make sure that everyone gets a quality education. In particular, we see a growing need in the area of workforce development. And, inclusion during the early years benefits society as children grow up. The systems-level approach described in the statement creates a model of synergy between federal, state, and local programs. We feel this policy statement provides a long-overdue roadmap for future action in early childhood inclusion. Students of all abilities who attend inclusive early childhood programs are better equipped to learn, live, and work in inclusive communities. ); we are both Directors of AIDD-funded UCEDDs on opposite sides of the country (Seattle, WA and Farmington, CT); and we both have had the privilege of spending our professional lives in the company of infants and young children with varying abilities and needs (and their families, too!). ACL uses Granicus (formerly GovDelivery) to send news and information to subscribers. The two of us have a lot in common. It is also important for teachers to talk with the families of children in their classrooms about at-home strategies to promote inclusion. As with all guest contributions to the ACL website, this blog reflects the experiences and thoughts of the author. Inclusive Play in the Early Years Offers Lasting Benefits. Inclusion means that every child has access to, participates meaningfully in, and experiences positive outcomes from early childhood education and care programs. Early childhood educators are well positioned to nurture collaborative partnerships with families and communities through their everyday relationships and practices. A child's degree of belongingness during this period establishes expectations about relationships of all forms well beyond the early childhood years. Advancing independence, integration, and inclusion throughout life, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living, Mary Beth Bruder,, Ph.D., Director of the University of Connecticut A.J. A child's initial experiences with the early childhood education system determine the degree to which she and her family feel connected to their natural community. These strategies help each student learn what is expected of them and how to navigate the classroom as a whole. 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