This book comprehensively evaluates early childhood inclusion over the past 25 years. Based on their research and extensive experience, the authors examine benefits and drawbacks of inclusion, leading influences on inclusion, and issues that face children in different environments with different developmental challenges. The book shows professionals, instructors, and students in early intervention and early childhood education where inclusion is today and what they need to do to keep the field moving forward. The final chapter presents a national in-scope agenda for change - a framework of ideas for meeting challenges and achieving an agreed-upon set of principles and practices - in order to create optimal educational environments for all children.

In this engaging book, the authors share stories from their practice and research about several young children with a variety of developmental delays and disabilities and their teachers. They explore the ways that teachers and children respond in real classrooms to real challenges, examining both those opportunities that are capitalized on as well as those that are missed. The book addresses a wide array of issues that contribute to our understanding of what makes a difference in the inclusive early childhood classroom, including the role of development, ways of honoring different learning styles, building a sense of classroom community, addressing power dynamics, and responding to conflict with both teachers and peers. This practical resource introduces a framework that will inspire early childhood teachers to reflect on their own practices and take action to develop new strategies for teaching in inclusive classrooms.

Amidst the positive impact of high-quality early childhood education on a child's education, health, and family outcomes, a pressing issue persists – major systemic societal inequities. These disparities disproportionately affect certain children's access and inclusion in early learning environments, creating a landscape where potential remains untapped. At this pivotal juncture, where the spotlight is on universal access to early childhood learning, this book emerges as a beacon of change. Titled Advancing Equity and Inclusion in Early Childhood Education, this project dives deep into the heart of the matter, dissecting the challenges that hinder the realization of equitable and inclusive educational opportunities for all young children and their families. This book caters to professionals and students across various disciplines involved in supporting young children and their families. Designed for early childhood teacher preparation programs, higher education institutions, alternative certification programs, policymakers, administrators, directors, and educators, Advancing Equity and Inclusion in Early Childhood Education offers practical insights. It guides the creation of equitable and inclusive early childhood programs, shapes professional development, and encourages ongoing research and evaluation to ensure that innovations contribute to advancing equity and inclusion for all young children.

THE EXCEPTIONAL CHILD: INCLUSION IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION, 7th Edition, is the most comprehensive and applied text available on early childhood special education. The text covers foundational issues facing teachers, parents, and paraprofessionals working in inclusive early childhood settings. It begins with definitions and explanations of key topics such as inclusion, federal legislation related to young children with disabilities, and different kinds of disabilities that early childhood educators may encounter in their programs. Then, it covers various applied issues and strategies related to early childhood inclusion--such as how to teach effectively and how to manage problematic behaviors. The Developmental Behavioral approach and the importance of classroom arrangement are stressed throughout. Current research related to early childhood education and inclusion is also cited. The authors explain how to effectively work with a diverse group of children that may contain more than one child with significant challenges, and how to design optimal learning at the individual and group levels. In addition, the authors address how to give parents and caregivers a role in the special education process while encouraging children to gain independence and facilitating their self-care. Important Notice: Media content referenced within the product description or the product text may not be available in the ebook version.

`This multi-professional book is just what is needed for students and practitioners, as it raises important issues and challenges, and invites dialogue and reflection in a reader friendly way' - Tina Bruce, Freelance Consultant The second edition of this best-selling textbook provides students and practitioners with a broad introduction to the main theories and issues within the field of early childhood studies. The book adopts a multi-disciplinary approach and pulls together all the key themes involved in the study of young children and childhood, and successfully demonstrates how these can be translated into real-life practice. Written by a team of leading academics and practitioners, this is a lively and engaging textbook, illustrated throughout, with student-friendly features such as `real-life' case studies and guides for further reading. The chapters cover all key aspects of the curriculum, including: the sociololgy of childhood; child health; child development; and the realities of working with children. This thoroughly updated and revised new edition also includes completely new chapters on research with children and leadership in early year settings. It is a core text for all those involved in the study of childhood, particularly undergraduates in the fields of child social care; social work; social policy and education. It is also an invaluable resource for practitioners and policy makers working with children.

With increasing emphasis on inclusive classrooms, primary and elementary school teachers can use the information included in Successful Inclusion Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers to build a supportive, caring, learner-driven environment that takes into account the needs of all students. Covering topics from incorporating the needs of students with a variety of special needs to working one-on-one with students to modify classroom experiences, this book offers field-tested strategies for teachers in a concise, friendly format. The authors also provide an overview of how special education law affects inclusive classrooms. The book provides multiple vignettes describing special needs most often found in inclusive classrooms, including autism, ADHD, visual and hearing impairments, and developmental delays, as well as suggested tools and strategies for working with these students. A special section on adapting classroom materials provides teachers with guidance for modifying and differentiating their curriculum to encourage learning in children with special needs. This book is a valuable resource for early childhood teachers, administrators, and childcare directors.