Visions, Practices, and Measures: International Experiences on Achieving High Quality Inclusion Camille Catlett, John Forster, & Elena Soukakou

Agenda Building the Framework: Establishing a Vision for High Quality Inclusion Quantifying What’s Really Important: Using the Inclusive Classroom Profile to Measure Quality Inclusion Achieving the Vision: Evidence- Based Practices That Support Inclusion

Early Childhood Inclusion: A Joint Position Statement of DEC and NAEYC Defining Inclusion

Definition Early childhood inclusion embodies the values, policies, and practices that support the right of every infant and young child and his or her family, regardless of ability, to participate in a broad range of activities and contexts as full members of families, communities, and society.

… desired results of inclusion The desired results of inclusive experiences for children with and without disabilities and their families include  a sense of belonging and membership,  positive social relationships and friendships,  development and learning to reach their full potential.

… three defining features of inclusion ACCESS PARTICIPATION SUPPORTS

Building the Framework: Establishing a Vision for High Quality Inclusion John Forster CEO Noah’s Ark Inc Melbourne, Australia

Case study: Developing a joint statement on inclusion between professional sectors in Australia Developing a shared vision: What relationships will make your work in inclusion more successful? copyright Noah's Ark Inc

How important is shared vision?  Importance in learning experiences  Importance in work experiences  Importance of relationships to inclusion copyright Noah's Ark Inc

What makes inclusion work?  Positive attitudes and beliefs  Flexible programs  Good professional support  Access to resources copyright Noah's Ark Inc

Why are shared vision and strong relationships important? Short term: maximises existing capacity Long term:  builds skills and knowledge  creates rationale for greater investment  supports from communities and cultures  positive policies and budgets copyright Noah's Ark Inc

Australian Context  Government: 6 States and 2 mainland territories  Landmass: five per cent of world  Population: almost 23 million  States / Territories: responsible for health and education  Australian Government: responsible for Child Care copyright Noah's Ark Inc

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Australia: The Good News  Early Childhood Education and Care Reforms  National Quality Framework  Universal 4 year old program of 15 hours  National Disability Strategy  National Disability Insurance Scheme copyright Noah's Ark Inc

Australia: The Reality Check  Vastly different experiences  Lack of effective legal protections  Lack of professional development  Low level of expenditure  Resources inconsistent/ limited  Lack of data copyright Noah's Ark Inc

Brief Cultural Comparison USAAUSTRALIA Founders: PilgrimsFounders: Convicts Purpose: Self- improvement Purpose: Avoid getting caught Better oneselfStick with your mates Measures of performanceDon’t let boss know Self ImprovementTall poppy syndrome copyright Noah's Ark Inc

Shared Vision: Joint Statement on Inclusion USAAUSTRALIA DECECIA NAEYCECA copyright Noah's Ark Inc

Shared Vision: Process  Listening sessions (7)  National survey (1403)  Expert panels (2)  Drafting Team (2+2)  Consultation to branches (15)  Final Drafting copyright Noah's Ark Inc

Joint Statement Structure  Position Statement  Underlying beliefs: Rights, Principles, Ethics  Rationale: Why do we need a statement?  Actions: Professional bodies, services, institutions copyright Noah's Ark Inc

Joint Statement: Actions  Attitudes  Workforce  Collaboration  Lack of cross sector understanding  Quality of early childhood services copyright Noah's Ark Inc

Joint Statement: Rights ECAECIA Rights of the child Convention on the Rights of Persons with a Disability Statements on Inclusion in mainstream education copyright Noah's Ark Inc

Joint Statement: Principles ECAECIA Best interests of child Social Inclusion Diversity Equity Importance of families High Expectations for every child Evidence-based practice copyright Noah's Ark Inc

Joint Statement: Rationale  Child’s services and institutional care  Segregated community services  Human Rights and access  Outcomes for every young child copyright Noah's Ark Inc

Position Statement  Our position is that children with a disability have the same rights as all children and additional rights because of their disability. They share with all children the right to be valued as individuals and as contributing members of families, communities and society. copyright Noah's Ark Inc

Position Statement  Every child is entitled to access and participate in ECEC programs which recognise them as active agents in their own lives and learning, respond to them as individuals, respect their families as partners and engage with their diverse backgrounds and cultures. copyright Noah's Ark Inc

Position Statement  This means that ECEC services and support professionals must be resourced and supported to the level required to fully include children with a disability and to achieve high quality outcomes for all children. copyright Noah's Ark Inc

Reflections: Developing relationships Process needs patience:  Telling the stories  Agreeing the principles/values  Agreeing the position copyright Noah's Ark Inc

Reflections: Sector relationships Shared expertise vital for:  Professional development  Individualized programs  Positive attitudes  Utilisation of resources copyright Noah's Ark Inc

Reflections: Future action  Is there a strong enough will in ECA and ECIA to continue to create progress? copyright Noah's Ark Inc

Reflections: Your reflections  Shared Vision: What relationships will make your work in inclusion more successful? copyright Noah's Ark Inc

For further information contact: John Forster copyright Noah's Ark Inc

Quantifying What’s Really Important: Using the Inclusive Classroom Profile to Measure Quality Inclusion Elena’s slides drop in here

Shifting Paradigms be able to do Know & Evidence- based practices Evidence

Research Synthesis Points on Inclusion and on Quality Inclusive Practices

Evidence-Based Practices that Support Inclusion handouts

Putting Access, Participation, and Supports into Action

Questions? Comments?