Queensland children come from diverse social, cultural, community and family backgrounds; are of many identities, and of all abilities. Ensuring all children have access to quality early learning, where they are welcomed and are able to engage meaningfully, is an important way we can give all children a great start.
Being inclusion-ready means focusing on improving and strengthening inclusive practices, pathways and partnerships across the early years—in programs, settings and services.
What is inclusion?
Quality early learning is for all children. All children and families benefit from having access to inclusive early learning and development activities that promote positive outcomes.
Children experience inclusion when they fully engage and participate in quality early learning, supported by reasonable adjustments and tailored responses to help them reach their potential. Parents and caregivers feel included when their role as their child’s first teacher is acknowledged and they are empowered to contribute to the learning and growth of their child. Inclusion remains everyone’s priority and is supported by effective policies and every day practices across all early years settings.
Inclusive child-centred practice differs from other approaches in significant ways:
Integration—Children and their families participate in learning and development activities but adjustments are not made to support individuals. This can affect participation or their ability to access supportive services that can meet individual needs.
Segregation—Programs and practices might be tailored to a family or child’s individual needs but support is always delivered separately in isolation from other children.
Exclusion—Children and families are unable to access any form of learning and development, support or care.
Information and resources to support inclusive practices, pathways and partnerships, and service obligations for the inclusion of all children.
Find inclusive resources to support children.