Partnerships in Creating Inclusive Settings is for ECD service providers including IDP, AIDP, SCD and ASCD staff, child care providers, parents, family resource programs, preschool and staff in community settings that provide services for children from birth to six. This training module introduces an approach that supports participants in developing more inclusive early years settings. It focuses on the attitudes, values and principles of inclusion, the importance of using inclusive language, an exploration of the key elements of inclusive and family centered practice and the benefits to all, of including all children in early learning settings. It highlights strategies for making adaptations and modifications to the environment and the program in order to support the inclusion of all children. Participants are introduced to the collaborative, trans-disciplinary team as the best way to include children in childcare settings.

• To define inclusion
• To illustrate appropriate language when speaking about individuals who need extra support
• To provide participants with an understanding of the key elements of inclusive practice and the benefits of inclusion for all children and families

• To assist participants to understand the importance of explaining to all families, at the outset, how the program’s inclusion philosophy links to inclusive practice.
• To assist participants to communicate effectively with parents To assist participants to understand the meaning of a family-centred approach
• To explore ways of including parents of children with special support needs in the children’s setting

• To assist participants to become aware of the ways in which the environment communicates to children
• To look at ways to adapt the environment that leads to the inclusion of all children
• To look at ways to set up the environment to encourage children to interact and play

• Participants understand how the early years program contributes to inclusion
• Participants analyze their practices and their programs and learn to adapt aspects of their programs to facilitate inclusion of specific children
• Participants learn to facilitate interaction among children

• To provide participants with an understanding of what is meant by a collaborative, transdisciplinary team approach
• To provide participants with an understanding of the way in which the team determines goals for a child who needs extra support
• To provide participants with an understanding of the way in which a goal-setting plan is used in early learning settings
• To provide participants with an understanding of ways to embed children’s goals in the daily routines and activities of the care setting