Inclusion in the Early Years

Putting It All Together

Presented by Lynn HestbakPrincipal, Early Education & Family

Wellness Centre Wetaksiwin Regional Public Schools

Believing, Behaving, Becoming Inclusion is the “norm”:

• Family inclusion – at home, on outings, special events

• School inclusion – in the classroom, playground

• Social inclusion – with peers, in the community

Philosophy

Brain development◦ (McCain, M.N., & Mustard, J.F., 1999) ◦ (Mustard, J.F., 2002, 2007)

Early Learning◦ (Bredekamp, S., 1992)◦ (Hertzman, C., 2000)

Family engagement◦ (Epstein, J., 2001)

Teaching strategies◦ (Gardner, H., 1993)

Research

Full or part-time attendance /morning or afternoon choices

Home based programs Blend of centre and home based Family Oriented program visits Outreach supports for kindergarten Flexibility, choice, consistency

Program Options

Begin where the family is Focus on what we CAN do Flexible options Choice is in their hands

Relationship Building(Believing)

Shared philosophy Principles of the program set Continuous evolution Collaborative time

Team Building(Believing)

Predictable routine provides structure Flexibility within routine allows choice Intervention occurs within natural play

environment Foundational skills based on Kindergarten

Program Statement

Building Routines(Behaving)

Deliberate & intentional planning Providing “just right challenge” Strategies for one often work for all Doing what makes sense

Collaboration Time(Behaving)

Begins right away – home to program Frequently reviewed & revised as needed Begin with end in mind – planning for

school entry

Transition Planning(Becoming)

Working together to increase family confidence, knowledge of child’s needs

Developing appropriate strategies for home, community inclusion

Stronger advocates for child’s future

Family (Becoming)

Seeds of Empathy, cultural experiences Visitors to program, special events, field

trips Triple P Parenting program & other parent

workshops Parent Networking opportunities

Other Experiences

Increased enrolment each year Wait list for community placements as

early as December for next year Referrals from community partners Parent feedback

Evidence of Success

Staff, when asked what is the best feature of our program:◦“...having a team effort makes us stronger 17

times over” (Kathy, teaching assistant)◦“Each student here has a long line of people

who’ve got their back!” (Marcie, SLP)◦“Thinking outside the box and being flexible

when the child can’t be” (Joanna, OT)

Feedback

Parents:◦“His grandparents see a difference already and

he has only been here 3 months” (Chelsey, mom)

◦“You will never feel more loved than you do here” (alumni parent Ken to group of new parents)

◦“She was invited to a friend’s birthday party for the first time – I nearly cried” (Cathy, mom)

Feedback (continued)

Recipe for success