1. Development of the ECA and ECIA Joint statement
John Forster CEO Noah’s Ark Inc
Melbourne, Australia

2. What are the concerns?
a risk that children with disabilities are going to be left further behind
children with disability won’t ‘maximise their potential and participate’
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3. Joint statement on inclusion
a vision for high quality inclusive practices
a framework for policy and programs
combines the evidence base and knowledge in the two organisations
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4. Process Listening sessions (7) Expert panels (2)
National survey (1403)
Drafting Team (2+2)
Consultation to branches (15)
Final Drafting
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5. Joint Statement Structure
Position Statement
Underlying beliefs: Rights, Principles, Ethics
Rationale: Why do we need a statement?
Actions: Professional bodies, services, institutions
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6. Statement
That children with a disability have the same rights as other children
Every child’s entitlement to access and participate in programs
Need for professionals to be resourced and supported
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7. Joint Statement: Rights
ECA
ECIA
Rights of the child
Convention on the Rights of Persons with a Disability
Statements on Inclusion in mainstream education
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8. Joint Statement: Principles
ECA
ECIA
Best interests of child
Social Inclusion
Diversity
Equity
Importance of families
High Expectations for every child
Evidence-based practice
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9. Action
early childhood education and care and early childhood intervention professions;
service providers, educators and support professionals;
governments, organisations and institutions including education and allied health training providers.
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10. Actions Attitudes Workforce Collaboration
Lack of cross sector understanding
Quality of early childhood services
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