Inclusion in the Preschool Classroom
“Inclusion, as a value, supports the right of all children, regardless of their abilities, to participate actively in natural settings within their communities.”
—”Division for Early Childhood position statement, endorsed by NAEYC
Current scientific research outlines the positive effects of including children with special needs in classrooms with their same-age peers. Here are some ideas related to “best practice” in today’s inclusive preschool classrooms:
- All children should be included no matter the type or level of their diverse abilities.
- Families are partners in the educational process and part of the team that works together to meet the needs of their children.
- The curriculum should be challenging, developmentally based, and appropriate for each child, and have proposed outcomes that reflect an understanding of each child’s growth and development.
- Early intervention is essential.
- It is important to focus on a child’s strengths, rather than focusing just on his or her weaknesses.
While few disagree with the research and the conclusions drawn by such researchers as the DEC, the challenge is just how to include children with diverse abilities in our preschool classrooms. Joellyn and I have tried to address this issue through the development of the Adaptive Learning Kit. Please feel to share any valuable advice and techniques that you have collected through the years.
