ERIC Number: EJ1270670
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2020-Sep
Pages: 12
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1836-9391
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Available Date: N/A
Exploring Early Childhood Educators' Experiences of Teaching Young Children with Disability
Munchan, Leanne; Agbenyega, Joseph
Australasian Journal of Early Childhood, v45 n3 p280-291 Sep 2020
This paper argues that whilst inclusive education in early childhood is gaining wider acceptance in the equity and diversity movement, the value and contribution of educators' voices about what is working and challenging are frequently ignored. This small-scale research explored five early childhood educators' understandings and experiences of inclusive education in two kindergartens in Victoria, Australia. A thematic analysis of the data highlights inclusion as a right to belong and fully participate; the need for modifications to orchestrate a culture of acceptance, diversity and inclusion; a lack of support and inadequate professional learning; and supporting effective practice through relationship with families, experts and children. The findings draw implications of evidence-based professional learning that is less focused on the interests of academic researchers and policy makers and more on the everyday needs of early childhood educators.
Descriptors: Early Childhood Teachers, Teacher Attitudes, Kindergarten, Young Children, Students with Disabilities, Inclusion, Sense of Community, Student Participation, Student Diversity, Childrens Rights, Accessibility (for Disabled), Barriers, Professional Development, Expertise, Parent Teacher Cooperation, Foreign Countries
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Early Childhood Education; Elementary Education; Kindergarten; Primary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Australia
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