Equality and inclusion in early childhood will help you to understand the key principles and best practice across the areas of social inclusion: gender, ethnic group and cultural background or faith, disability and health. You will be able not only to understand special issues, but also how to address dilemmas in balancing the diverse needs of children and families within provision. This new edition brings readers up to date with changes in legislation and guidance. The content reflects recent developments to address the experiences of boys and concerns about their achievement. New perspectives focus on ensuring a proportionate response to family preferences for children's care. A notable feature of Equality and inclusion in early childhood is how readers are supported to link equality practice with a sound knowledge of what young children understand and how their attitudes develop. This book is part of Jennie Lindon's series 'Linking Theory and Practice'. The established approach provides accessible descriptions of relevant theory and research, yet links this information closely to practice with young children and families. The content and style of the series has been developed to support students on Early Childhood degree programmes, Early Years Foundation Degree courses, practitioners working towards Early Years Professional Status and also experienced senior practitioners extending their professional development and that of their team.
Covering a wide range of concepts and taking a broader perspective of what inclusion entails, this book offers an overview of current research, policy and practice in diversity and inclusion in the early years. It is a clear introduction to what inclusive practice means for those working with young children in the early stages of their lives
This insightful text shows how the attitudes of adults in early years settings can influence practice. The authors argue for a broad definition of inclusion, not limited to those with learning difficulties or impairment, but addressing factors affecting all members of the learning community. The book shows how the lives of practitioners, parents and children have been affected by inclusive and exclusionary practices. This new and revised edition includes an increased focus on: - inclusion as a political issue - social class - poverty - children′s rights - gay and lesbian parents and staff This text is essential for all early years students, practitioners and researchers who want to become familiar with current research into inclusion and to develop ways of drawing on such studies to inform and devleop their own inclusive practices. Cathy Nutbrown is Professor of Education and Director for Research at the University of Sheffield. Peter Clough is Honorary Professor of Education at the University of Sheffield Frances Atherton is Head of Department of Early Childhood Studies, at the University of Chester.
This guide outlines best practice and key research findings on how to create a truly inclusive setting, covering all aspects of equality and diversity. The book contains advice on: supporting children with special educational needs and providing for children with English as an additional language.
Examines systemic issues contributing to inequities in early childhood, with ways faculty, teachers, administrators, and policymakers can work to disrupt them.
Most classrooms contain children from a variety of backgrounds, where home culture, religious beliefs and the family′s economic situation all impact on achievement. This needs to be recognised by teachers in order to establish fair, respectful, trusting and constructive relationships with children and their families, which will allow every child to reach their full potential. This book looks at real issues that affect teachers in the classroom, and examines a variety of influences affecting child development. It provides you with the theoretical and practical information you need to ensure you understand the complex factors which affect the children in your care, and it encourages good, thoughtful teaching. Dealing with some of the less widely addressed aspects of diversity and inclusion, the book considers: - children who are asylum seekers - the notion of ′pupil voice′ - what diversity and equality mean in practice - gender and achievement - looked-after children - social class - disability - ethnicity and whiteness This book is essential reading for any education student looking at diversity and inclusion, and for teachers in role looking for advice on how to meet the professional standards.
The concept of inclusion is complex and messy and although many definitions abound it has never been fully clarified in legislation and guidance. The purpose of this book is to consider how professionals working with young children and their families can better understand the concept of inclusion and successfully establish, examine and evaluate the building blocks and framework that should underpin inclusive practice. This book represents a genuine attempt to identify the challenges and barriers to inclusion for all children; to understand them and in some measure, to suggest how they might be overcome.This book is particularly important because: It is based on a broad understanding of inclusion that embraces all forms of difference including race, gender, ability and class It draws on good practice developed over the years and describes challenges for the future It takes into account contemporary issues such as austerity measures, cuts to public services and a changing political landscape It brings the reader up to date with current theory, analysis, controversies and debates This book is essential reading for early years professionals and students who wish to increase their knowledge and understanding of these issues which can divide society; especially in terms of the impact on young children and their families. "Mary Dickins has given us a book which is a beautifully written guide to the principles and practice of inclusion in young children's care and education. For some this will be an introduction to, for others a reminder of, knowledge and skills which we have developed over many years but which are too often misunderstood or ignored. Through her alphabetical approach it is possible to address a huge number of issues in a very accessible way, either dipping into it as needed or reading from beginning to end as a story of how we can improve the experiences of young children in childcare, and every entry comes with a list of references to enable readers to take the subject further. Informing the whole book is her knowledge and experience of this issue and her passion to support the development of a shared vision and understanding of it. As she says: 'inclusion is not a fixed state…we all have responsibility and a role to play in challenging discrimination and oppression'." Sue Owen, Independent early years consultant "I have learnt a lot from reading this book - and there is a lot to learn! Its scope is so enormous that inevitably it cannot cover everything, for example my pet topic of 'the power of assumptions'! It identifies the complexities of the various aspects of inclusion and touches on the inter-relatedness of many - for example, race and class. As readers dip into it I hope it will trigger further reading on particular issues and also stimulate more discussion of how institutional procedures and practices, deeply embedded in our society (the 'system'), remain barriers to inclusion. We all need to identify, understand and break down such barriers so that every one of our precious children, wherever they are, feel they truly belong." Jane Lane, Advocate worker for racial equality in the early years "Mary Dickins has long experience in early years and equality issues and writes from a defined value system. She encourages a proactive and anti-discriminatory approach which contributes to the development of - in her words - 'a shared vision, understanding and sense of purpose'. Mary stresses the importance of individual responsibility and transfer of specialist skills to a mainstream context. This book is a good addition to the continuing debate on inclusion from a clear children's rights perspective and a valuable resource for the early years sector, providing a framework to embed effective inclusive practice." Julie Jennings, Royal National Institute of Blind People, UK
Amidst the positive impact of high-quality early childhood education on a child's education, health, and family outcomes, a pressing issue persists – major systemic societal inequities. These disparities disproportionately affect certain children's access and inclusion in early learning environments, creating a landscape where potential remains untapped. At this pivotal juncture, where the spotlight is on universal access to early childhood learning, this book emerges as a beacon of change. Titled Advancing Equity and Inclusion in Early Childhood Education, this project dives deep into the heart of the matter, dissecting the challenges that hinder the realization of equitable and inclusive educational opportunities for all young children and their families. This book caters to professionals and students across various disciplines involved in supporting young children and their families. Designed for early childhood teacher preparation programs, higher education institutions, alternative certification programs, policymakers, administrators, directors, and educators, Advancing Equity and Inclusion in Early Childhood Education offers practical insights. It guides the creation of equitable and inclusive early childhood programs, shapes professional development, and encourages ongoing research and evaluation to ensure that innovations contribute to advancing equity and inclusion for all young children.
