Inclusion is one where any caste, class, gender, different ability, special needs people, etc all are included. Where there is no discrimination and everyone is given equal opportunity.
Features of inclusion: –
1. Access
2. Participation
3. Support
These features of the inclusive in early childhood programs and services are used. Where children are given learning opportunities in such a way that they can access everything. They provide extra support to the children so that the children themselves start participating. Also, they provide support through curriculum, policies, infrastructure, and activities that catered to an individual needs
How ECCE Field Works On Inclusion
I am sharing my personal experience when I went for the internship, where I saw that age-appropriate material is provided to the children and appropriate activities are done keeping in mind their development
Teachers and caretakers identify children with special needs and fullfil their needs through different activities or extra support. They also provide special educators for children with special needs and involve parents in every programme and take their advice.
Strategies For Inclusion
Strategies promote the developmental level of children so that their development will be better.
We have to provide such activities to the kids which help them to play cooperatively and work together. This will enable them to be comfortable with each other so that they can able to participate in a class or communicate and share their thoughts.
Support as much as they needed, so that they do not depend on us or anyone else. Let them do their work independently if we do their work first then they will think that maybe, I can’t do that or I will do wrong. Due to this, he starts thinking that there is nothing that he can do on his own hence he will stop trying. That’s why we should motivate them to work on their own.
Teach children subjects related to “Special education” from an early age or either let them be aware of it, so that they can understand each other or support each other. also, it will give a sense of acceptance. A caretaker needs to understand the needs of the child and then make plans accordingly.
Parents are the first teacher, so their involvement in the child’s school or center plays a very important role. That’s why it is important to communicate with the child’s family so that we can know more about the child and parents.
Benefits Of Inclusion
When we include everyone, then children will learn to accept people. They will give respect to each other. They will learn from each other and they will know that everyone has unique abilities. Develop friendship skills and a positive self-image. Gives equal opportunities to everyone.