What is Inclusion?
Back to Inclusion Support Program Main Menu
Inclusion is a way of thinking and acting that allows every individual to feel accepted, valued and safe.
Inclusive service focuses on creating an environment of involvement, connection, belonging and respect for diversity.
Genuine inclusion in licensed child care is more than just a child’s presence. It ensures active, meaningful participation by every child in the daily program and with one another. How this occurs will be different for each child, based on individual abilities and needs. All children should feel valued, have friends, and feel they belong.
In a high quality, inclusive program, child care professionals (early childhood educators and child care assistants) are responsive to the individual abilities and needs of each child. Opportunities are provided for all children to learn through play with their peers, supported by knowledgeable educators.
All children may need support to reduce or eliminate barriers so they can learn and fully engage in experiences with their peers. The adaptations and strategies child care professionals use are specific to each child. For example, these adaptations could include making paint brush handles thicker with masking tape so they are easier to manipulate, modifying a chair to fit a specific child to sit at the snack table, or changing a routine to make transitions more positive.
The Benefits of Inclusion in Child Care
When all children are meaningfully included, everyone benefits!
Benefits for children:
- Better understanding and appreciation of individual differences
- Acceptance and respect for and from others
- Learning with and from one another
- More opportunities for socialization with peers
- Preparation for full participation in the community, including the transition to school
- Opportunities to share unique gifts and strengths
- Opportunities to see themselves and their communities in learning activities and materials
Benefits for families:
- Access to child care
- Ability to work or go to school
- Better understanding and appreciation of individual differences
- Learning with and from other families and professionals in the field of early childhood education
Benefits for child care centres or family home providers and those providing care:
- Better understanding and appreciation of individual differences
- Learning with and from all the children and adults
- Strengthening skills by working with a variety of abilities
Go to the next page: Inclusion Support Program Services and Supports
Return to the Inclusion Support Program Main Page
