Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/access-accommodation-and-attitude/5023588/
Inclusion, the practice of educating children with special needs in classrooms with their typically-developing peers, allows educators to create an environment for all students to live and work together and build a community. On a large scale, building a school environment that has an inclusive direction is an influential way to combat discriminatory attitudes in society (Connor, Gabel, Gallagher & Morton, 2008). From a narrower, individualized perspective, inclusion provides young children the opportunity to grow socially and cognitively (Odom, Buysse & Soukakou, 2011). Inclusion for young children is not just the act of creating an environment that is considered less restrictive. It is a program that focuses on “participation, social relationships, and learning outcomes for all children” as common goals (Odom et al., 2011, p. 345).
As inclusive practices continue to grow, questions arise such as what makes inclusion successful and how do teachers implement strategies that promote inclusion? Practical strategies for classroom staff are needed so that early educators can support inclusive practices and pave the way for all children to be part of a classroom. Examining the attitudes of teaching staff, actualizing strategies by providing materials that promote equality, and determining accommodations that students may need create a recipe for ...