Early Childhood Inclusion

12/13/2016

Language makes infinite use of finite media.
Wilhelm von Humboldt, 1767-1835, Prussian philosopher and linguist

“Inclusion is about community: Inclusion is more than a placement or a service. It is about creating shared spaces, bringing people together, and giving them a voice.

“Inclusion is a dynamic process: It takes place within a living classroom community that continually changes, according to its members, their interests, and their needs.

“In their joint position statement on inclusion, the Division for Early Childhood of the Council for Exceptional Children and the National Association for the Education of Young Children encourage a holistic approach. The statement articulates three primary areas that are essential components of inclusion: access, participation, and support,” note authors Yoon-Joo Lee and Susan L. Recchia in their article "Early Childhood Inclusion: Fostering Classroom Community for Diverse Learners" (Young Children, November 2016).

“…Rather than being simply a type of placement, high quality inclusion is about belonging and membership, positive social relationships and friendships, and development and learning. Most importantly, an inclusive community must be conceptualized for all children, not just those with disabilities.”

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