Two Important Features of an Inclusive School
I endorse the views of Daniel and Lydia from Kenya Institute of Inclusive Education (KISE).
Physical Environment
Based on Piaget and Vygotsky, a child’s development occurs when they are actively engaged in the learning process (Morgan, 2011). Therefore, the early childhood physical environment must be designed with the necessary facilities to facilitate access to all children. In Trinidad and Tobago some schools are equipped with ramps and rails that supports special needs children in their learning and development.
Attitude of Teaching and Non-Teaching Staff
A “Can do” attitude by all staff members is an essential element that creates an inclusive school. According to Urie Brofenbrenner ecological theory, development is greatly influenced by forces outside the child (Deiner, 2010). As such, all children are capable of reaching their fullest potential but they need administrators, teachers, parents and cleaners to believe in them and demonstrate confidence in them. Sometimes a simple smile or thumbs-up will be sufficient to motivate a child.
References
Deiner, L. P. (2010). Inclusive Early Childhood Education: Development, Resources and
Practice (5th ed.). Wadsworth: Cengage Learning.
Morgan, H. (2011). Early Childhood Education: History, Theory and Practice (2nd ed.). UK: Rowman & Littlefield Publisher Inc.