12 Keys to High-Quality Early Childhood Inclusio

 Kathryn Wahl, director of the Santa Clara County Office of Education's Inclusion Collaborative Department.

It is a topic that explains the meaning of inclusion as an attitude and philosophy that promotes a sense of belonging, community and membership.

It values differences and diversity, builds positive social relationships and friendships, and promotes reaching full developmental and learning potential.

Inclusive program benefits all children, parents, teachers, and communities.

Inclusion has its benefits for children with disabilities to be seen as a child first and a special need second, where they can observe and imitate other children, become independent and self-reliant, build a self-concept, and learn appropriate social skills.

As well as inclusion has its benefits for children without disabilities too.

They learn to accept and become comfortable with individual differences, increase their self-esteem through helping others, explore new ways of being a friend, and gain new awareness of ability to express caring, concern, and compassion.

Adding that it has its benefits for adults in the classroom ( teachers and assistants), as broadening teaching and personal experience, expanding techniques for individualizing activities, helping prepare all children for future experience in their community, and increase opportunities to encourage acceptance and individual differences.

The webinar also discussed the 12 areas of inclusive practice (ICP):

Adaptations of Space, Materials, and Equipment. Adult Involvement in Peer Interactions. Adults’ Guidance of Children’s Free-Choice Activities and Play. Conflict Resolution. Membership. Relationships between Adults and Children. Support for Communication. Adaptation of Group Activities. Transitions between Activities. Feedback. Family-Professional Partnerships. Monitoring Children’s Learning.