PR3 – Inclusion Handbook

Design, development and piloting of a handbook for ECEC staff and leaders on fostering inclusive environments for children with intellectual disabilities though engaging and collaborating with colleagues, children, parents and other community members (Result 3).

The Fostering a Culture of Inclusion Handbook will encompass the following modules:
Module I – Engaging children: Providing best strategies, approaches and activities for creating a culture of inclusion in the ECEC classrooms and encouraging typically developing children in supporting the participation of their peers with intellectual disabilities, help them feel safe and welcome to the setting, develop a sense of belonging and reach their full potential.

Module II – Engaging parents: Including approaches and strategies for connecting with and fully engaging parents (of children with and without disabilities) in ensuring the successful inclusion of children with intellectual disabilities.
Module III – Engaging staff: Including approaches and strategies for encouraging open debate and discussion within the workplace and enabling learning environments in which the ECEC staff will feel free to express questions and request help in order to solve challenges and share experiences and skills in relation to working with children with intellectual disabilities.
Module IV – Engaging the community: Providing strategies and approaches for coordinating information, resources, and services from community-based organizations, businesses, cultural and civic organizations, social service agencies, faith-based organizations, colleges and universities, and other community groups that can support the ECEC inclusion of children with intellectual disabilities.