Inclusion rests upon the belief that young children with disabilities and their typical peers can participate together in the same classroom or community setting, reflecting the diversity of the society in which we live. Inclusion is a placement choice, an educational environment in which early intervention may be delivered to young children with disabilities.
Research shows:
- Regular early childhood education curriculum and access to typically developing peer groups will provide learning opportunities that do not or may not exist in a special education or segregated classroom environment.
- The presence of typical peers makes inclusive environments more challenging, more demanding, and more stimulating than segregated classroom environments.
- Typical peers are not only provided with opportunities to learn more realistic and accurate views of individuals with disabilities, but are also provided with opportunities to develop positive attitudes toward others that are different from themselves, and encouraged to peer tutor, or to strengthen their skills, by assisting another child.
- Families have opportunities to teach their children about individual differences and about accepting individuals who are different.
- Federal and state laws recommend that, to the extent possible, children with disabilities be educated in settings that are typical and include same-age peers. This is known as placement in the least restrictive environment.
Inclusion can occur in a variety of ways in the classroom. Here are a few techniques you might see:
- Employing the principle of partial participation. Children with special needs who cannot do every component of an activity are encouraged to participate in those parts they are able to do. They may also receive direct assistance from classroom staff to ensure participation.
- Expanding and adapting materials and activities to accommodate the individual goals, objectives, and outcomes for each child.
- Using facilitative and natural child positioning procedures. Classroom staff, support staff (e.g., therapist) and Inclusion Specialist make recommendations to facilitate participation in activities to the maximum extent possible. This may include support from an adult or peer’s body, specially designed furniture or equipment, as well as supportive materials such as pillows and wedges.
At A Brighter Day Early Learning Academy, we believe that all children are special and that our purpose is to help each child attain the highest level of accomplishment possible.