Interdisciplinary Education of Social Inclusion Facilitators in Early Childhood Settings

Abstract

Successful inclusion of very young children with disabilities in natural environments requires professionals to have specialized skills including: collaboration with the child's parents and caregivers and other professionals, ecologically valid assessment of the child within the context of his or her natural environment, and the design of an individualized program within the routines of the child's inclusive settings. To provide preservice preparation for graduate students focused on full inclusion of young children with disabilities, a collaborative interdisciplinary program was developed. Components of the program included (a) interdisciplinary course work, (b) competency-based seminars, and (c) and an interdisciplinary practicum providing opportunities for students to implement inclusion focused knowledge and skills. A description of the program and outcomes are presented.