For this Performance Task, you will develop a program handbook that includes evidence-based policies, practices, and advocacy strategies to support high-quality inclusive programming in early childhood settings. Your handbook will also include essential advocacy messages that represent the heart of the services provided.
High-Quality Inclusion Program Handbook
Scenario:
As the new director of the Great Beginnings childcare center, you are committed to developing staff knowledge related to the importance of high-quality inclusion. You are aware that support for high-quality inclusion within the program will require changes to current policy and practice. You have decided to develop the first draft of a handbook to share with staff that provides information about high-quality, evidence-based inclusive practices as well as advocacy messages that underlie these types of program services. The goal of the first draft of this handbook is to inform discussion, inspire goals, and serve as an advocacy tool.
You’ve developed the following outline as an overview of what your first draft of the handbook will include, along with research-based sources:
Introduction: High-Quality Inclusion Program Philosophy
- Explain the importance of high-quality inclusive practices in programs supporting the development and learning of children with and without disabilities. (2–3 paragraphs)
Section 1: Program Policies and Practices Designed to Support High-Quality Inclusive Early Childhood Programs Staff:
- Provide three examples of the knowledge, skills, and dispositions the staff needs to support high-quality inclusion when working with young children and families. (1–2 sentences each.)
Environment:
- Explain three program practices that support access for young children within high-quality inclusive early childhood programs. (2–3 sentences each)
- Explain three program practices that support participation for young children within high-quality inclusive early childhood programs. (2–3 sentences each)
Section 2: Collaboration Strategies for High-Quality Inclusive Early Childhood Programs
- Explain three family collaboration strategies and how these strategies can support high-quality inclusion. (2–3 sentences each)
- Explain three community collaboration strategies and how these strategies can support high-quality inclusion. (2–3 sentences each)
- Explain three professional collaboration strategies and how these strategies can support high-quality inclusion. (2–3 sentences each)
Section 3: Advocacy Messages Supportive of High-Quality Inclusive Early Childhood Programs and Practices
- Develop three advocacy messages that promote the importance of high-quality early childhood inclusion programs.
Cite your resources on the last page of the handbook.
Resources you can use for this assignment:
Inclusive Schools Network. (2015). Elements of inclusive education for early childhood programs. Retrieved from http://inclusiveschools.org/elements-of-inclusive-education-for-early-childhood-programs/
Cate, D., Diefendorf, M., McCullough, K., Peters, M., & Whaley, K. (Eds.). (2010). Quality indicators of inclusive early childhood programs/practices: A compilation of selected resources. Retrieved from https://ectacenter.org/~pdfs/pubs/qualityindicatorsinclusion.pdf
Strain, P. S. (2014). Inclusion for preschool children with disabilities: What we know and what we should be doing. Retrieved from http://ectacenter.org/~pdfs/topics/inclusion/research/STRAIN_what_we_know.pdf
Early Childhood Australia and Early Childhood Intervention Australia. (n.d.). Position statement on the inclusion of children with a disability in early childhood education and care. Retrieved February 21, 2019 from https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/our-work/inclusion-resources/
Flavin, B. (2020, March 23). 4 emerging trends in early childhood education that you should know about. Rasmussen Univeristy. https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/education/blog/3-ongoing-trends-early-childhood-education-impact-you/
National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2008). Advocacy step five: Developing key messages. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK195426/#advocacystep5.s3
(Note: This resource refers to primary and secondary messages. Your Competency Assessment requires that you create three primary advocacy messages.)