Inclusion is a term that refers to the practice of educating young children with special needs in the same child care classroom with typically-developing peers. Inclusion can be an effective way of encouraging development in children with special needs while also sensitizing typically-developing children to a wide range of skills and abilities without distinguishing some children as "disabled."
The following are keys to make an inclusive child care classroom successful:
- Preparation. To be most successful, inclusive child care classrooms should be led by teachers with some specific education and experience in working with children with special needs. In some classrooms, trained aides or teachers can make the process of inclusion go more smoothly.
- Sensitivity. Child care providers in inclusion classrooms must be sensitive to the differing needs, not just of the children with identified special needs but of all children.
- Flexibility. The curriculum should be flexible and adaptable so that children with a variety of abilities can participate in activities at the level that is most appropriate to each individual child.
For more information on including children with special needs in child care, check out the eXtension Alliance for Better Child care article What Is Inclusive Child Care?
