Why is inclusive practice important in childcare

An inclusive childcare practice is one that genuinely believes all children are unique and have the potential to learn.

Children prosper when Educators, families and the wider community work closely in partnership to support access, inclusion and participation.

At Petit ELJ Caloundra, a child needed inclusion support to assist them with behavioural challenges and socialisation with other children in their environment. Through a careful selection process, Petit ELJ hired dedicated Educators and a committed Centre Director, who collaborated with the family to improve inclusion. We found that the room was over stimulating. An Educator in the room was designated as the inclusion support person for this child.

It was reassuring to see their engagement in centre activities thrive particularly when participating in group activities. Do you have a genuine interest in caring and promoting inclusion for ALL children? At Petit ELJ, we advocate for an open and inclusive early educational childhood environment that recognises diversity. Submit this form and we will get in touch within 48 hours to schedule your tour. Promoting an Inclusive Practice in Childcare. What makes an inclusive practice.

Who benefits from inclusion. Strategies for inclusion in childcare. What does inclusion mean in childcare? What makes an inclusive practice? An inclusive childcare service: Provides access to a wide range of learning opportunities. Think about how you plan your lessons, the reasons behind them, and whether they are equal and accessible for all students.

As well as assessing your teaching methods, you should think about any opinions that you might hold towards certain people or groups of people. This includes any empathy and prejudices that you might have. For example, you may have an affinity for a student who reminds you of your own child, or you may have a prejudice towards a child who reminds you of someone you previously taught.

Take the time to think about these things — they are often subconscious so may require some digging. Then, think about whether they are inclusive or if they are disadvantaging certain pupils. Inclusive practice aims to ensure that all children can flourish in education, in spite of any challenges they face in their daily life.

To make sure this is the case, you should use a variety of teaching methods and be flexible. For example:. By being flexible and using a variety of teaching methods, you are giving each student the opportunity to use their strengths and succeed.

Additionally, you will help them to improve things that they find more challenging. Make your lessons diverse and adapt them towards your students.

For example, if you have a new student who has just immigrated from Spain, you could spend some lesson time learning about Spanish culture, looking at pictures of Spanish monuments, and learning some Spanish words. Aim to illustrate your points with examples that reflect the diversity of your students. For instance, using an example of a disabled child in one of your exercises. It provides everyone with an opportunity to reach their full potential and have an equal chance to live their life as they choose.

Equality also refers to the way we handle cases of prejudice and discrimination to ensure there is parity in the process and outcome. Specific individuals and groups may encounter systematic, attitudinal and physical barriers to equality because of their personal circumstances and characteristics.

There is some legal protection against this inequality called prohibited conduct, however, this is limited to defining elements related to protected characteristics. A report from the Equality Human Rights Commission found that prejudice is experienced across all protected characteristics, which included:. Children have the right to be included and barriers denying this equality should be addressed.

If children face inequality early in life this can have a long-term impact on their life chances and affect their self-esteem, confidence, trust of others. The provision of meaningful and relevant learning experiences supports every child to actively engage in all aspects of play and learning. Children that require additional support for learning are valued as equal contributors to the learning community.

Their progress and achievements are visible alongside those of their peers in the service. Children learn through active participation in meaningful play experiences, daily routines and interactions with others. Fostering positive relationships are essential to inclusion. Inclusive Education: Guides for Schools. This site provides New Zealand educators with practical strategies, suggestions and resources to support the diverse needs of all learners.

Index for inclusion developing play, learning and participation in early years and childcare. This Index for inclusion is a useful resource to support and guide inclusion in early childhood services.

It provides ideas for policy and practice. Kei Tua o te Pae - Inclusive assessment. The exemplars are a series of books that will help teachers to understand and strengthen children's learning. Book 9 — Inclusive assessment. Leadership in early childhood education for '5 out of 5' children. The Ministry of Education has prepared material for leaders in early childhood education. The section putting the spotlight on every child has a focus on inclusive leadership.

Much More than Words. This booklet will be useful in supporting the communication development of young children. It includes information about typical communication development in young children and ideas for supporting them. This convention is useful to understand disability rights. It can be read in conjunction with UNCROC to focus attention on children but where adults have a disability this document is a useful guide.

Article 2 is about nondiscrimination and being inclusive. There is a wide range of tools and resources to help your ECE service support students with diverse needs. You also need to be aware of your legal obligations. Early intervention service. Inclusive education.

Alton-Lee, A. Quality teaching for diverse students in schooling: Best evidence synthesis. Wellington: Ministry of Education. Bishop, R.