Early years settings must promote an inclusive environment in which every individual is fully accepted, respected and valued. Equality & Diversity | Inclusion | Practice; Dr Sharon Curtis and Jane Lane, on behalf of a group of early years participants, say that there is still much to be done to tackle racism in the early years sector and call on everyone involved to take action now Since LINC was launched, there have been 847 LINC graduates, with up to 1,200 places offered for new enrolments this year. The effects are most positive for children facing ‘multiple disadvantage’ in their early lives (Sylva et al, 2014, p. 25). The research into inclusion in ECEC is consistent and compelling: participation in high-quality ECEC . Early childhood education and care programs should have an inclusion policy that states the anti-discriminatory policies for enrolment, BLEED. To be an inclusive provider, early years settings should be proactive at addressing barriers to inclusion such as negativity, conscious and unconscious bias, and stereotyping. Why Diversity Is Important In Early Education. The programme trains early years practitioners to become Inclusion Coordinators in their settings. However, one of the key qualities they all share is embracing diversity. Use of the term parents refers to both parents and carers and use of the plural does not imply that the child will necessarily have two parents. It covers almost all aspects of inclusion with its broader meaning. sion over the past 30 years. Aiii Using the table below, identify three ways of challenging discrimination, and describe how each will promote change. Guidance for Early Years Inclusion Coordinators Terminology The language of inclusion In Tower Hamlets, the Integrated Early Years Service, use the term ‘additional needs’ instead of ‘special educational needs’ (used in the code of practice) in order to avoid language which labels children as different, or separates children from others. Inclusion in early childhood education means increasing the participation of children in the cultures, curriculum and communities of local schools. In this video, Jin Chi, 2018 Echidna Global Scholar, describes the importance of gender in early childhood education policy around the world and particularly in China. The practice of inclusion is based upon protecting children’s access to education and benefitting from such practice. Difficult or withdrawn behaviour may not necessarily m ean that a child has SEN. This has led to the recognition and implementation of play -based learning and intentional teaching in the early years. The importance of high quality early years education and care has been well documented (Dahlberg, Moss, & Pence, 2007; Dearing, McCartney & Taylor, 2009; Peisner-Feinberg et al., 2014; Sylva, 2010, Torii, Fox & Cloney, 2017). that they have a learning difficulty or disability that calls for special educational prov ision). Related Topics China It concerns being able to support the needs of all children. Aims for the Foundation Stage..... 12 8. Equality and diversity are important to emphasise within the early years setting as they are critical values to impart to young children. Hope you enjoy! The colour of their skin, their gender, religion or belief, disability, social status or any other factor should not affect the way each person is valued. Queensland kindergarten learning guideline . Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001..... 14 9. Early learning and childcare (ELC) ... Education Scotland > What we do > Embedding inclusion, equity and empowerment. It is important to note that a delay in learning and development in the Early Years may or may not mean that a child has SEN (i .e. Way of challenging discrimination, how this will promote change. Meeting Diverse Needs ..... 11 7. Importance of diversity and inclusion. Leadership requires you to develop, support, encourage and motivate a staff team, as well as model a high standard of practice, knowledge and care. I think it’d be lovely if you could just tell us a little bit about your history with early years and who you are. Creating a cultural diversity environment is important in meeting the needs of all children within the setting. • Policies that promote inclusion • Leadership that supports inclusion • Staff who believe in inclusion In order for all children to fully participate in education, care and community, they must have equitable access to programs. Principles of Early Years Education..... 11 6. Since 2008 the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) has become integrated within all childcare providers, except mother and toddler groups, nannies and short-term creches, and covers the welfare and development of children (BBC). Embedding inclusion, equity and empowerment This programme aims to promote inclusive practice in the education system and more broadly, using community learning approaches to improve outcomes for young people, families and adults in their areas. 3.Factors Effecting the Development of an Early Years Inclusion Policy..... 9 4.SEN & Inclusion and Early Years..... 10 5. Having an inclusive environment is essential in offering opportunities for learning for children and you as an early childhood teacher want all children to benefit. Fostering diversity and inclusion in early childhood. Their personalities and learning styles are as quirky and different as the way they each look. Our spotlight article below ‘Promoting equality and diversity in the early years’ focuses on ‘Black lives matter’ and has points to consider … Inclusion for early childhood programs supports the right of all children, regardless of abilities, to participate actively in natural settings within their communities. The programme is fully funded and is free to parcipants. Recent Statistics..... 19 11. It complements the Guidance for Early Years Inclusion Coordinators, Tower Hamlets Council Early Years Inclusion Team 2016. Professional development | Resources . Why is This Important? Services with a LINC graduate can avail of a €2 increase per child per week in the rate of ECCE capitation. Settings need to be confident, committed, and competent in their ability to be equal and inclusive. View the Statement on the inclusion of children in early childhood education and care. It provides an overview of current policies and practice enriched by several research examples, concerning equality and diversity in inclusive early years settings. Policies. This article briefly explores some of the themes in Peter Baldock’s book Understanding Cultural Diversity in the Early Years, which considers current debates around the alleged failure of multiculturalism, and encourages practitioners to utilise their own cultural backgrounds and experiences as a way of developing their teaching. Recall from Chapter 1 the research synthesis points developed by Buysse and Hollingsworth (2009) and the National Professional Development Center on Inclusion (NPDCI; 2009). Equally important is that it has encouraged children to develop a respect for others with diverse characteristics and to bring that understanding back to the classroom. The Challenge is an inclusive national outdoor adventure competition, which has been running for over 20 years. This can make a real difference to children’s perceptions and have a huge impact on their future. This is because while children in the early years may have already started to pick up on gender stereotypes, there is still plenty of opportunity to challenge them before they become embedded. Practitioners must support the beliefs and values of each child through a diverse environment. As #BlackLivesMatter continues to highlight the importance of equality, diversity and inclusion around the world, we turn to leading educationalist Aaron Bradbury-Coffey, to explore the current position practitioners take when working with children in the early years.. Oh! Early years sengs that employ an Inclusion Coordinator who has graduated from LINC will receive an addional €2 per week in capitaon per ECCE child. Posted in: Blog | 29 Jun 2017 One of the best things about Australia is that we’re a diverse, multicultural country. Last October we introduced four Fun Learning characters Tuka, Waaba, Maco and Soca. Why is inclusion important? Definitions of Disability under the DDA ..... 18 10. Leadership in any job role is important, as you will know those in management positions are the facilitators of the company’s success and growth. This can be achieved through a range of ways. This insightful text shows how the attitudes of adults in early years settings can influence practice. For those with ASD, proposed benefits often center on improved social acceptance and improved social communication, and peers play a critical role in these outcomes. The emphasis on inclusion of diverse learners presents challenges to early‐years teachers, particularly those whose understandings have been framed by notions of school readiness and of special education for children with disabilities. Reviewing the research supporting each point is beyond the scope of this chapter. There only few good books covering inclusion in early year settings and this is one of those. Inclusion in the workplace, developed through business and human resources strategies, refers mainly to diversity in racial, gender and religious terms and how to promote full participation among employees in organisations. The authors argue for a broad definition of inclusion, not limited to those with learning difficulties or impairment, but addressing factors affecting all members of the learning community. Home Blog Importance of Leadership in Early Years Management. by Geethika Rodrigo | Jan 22, 2018 | Early Childhood Education. The early years is where we can make a lasting difference to children’s views of the world, the people and the communities within it. We talked all about the importance of inclusion, how you can make sure you’re being inclusive even when you’re on a budget and she gave so many great examples about how you can think more inclusively in your practice. 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