Activity 2.3 | Inclusivity

Inclusion is a large and significant topic that is best studied separately from this course. Leaders in children’s programs must be prepared for all children regardless of their needs. If the leader herself does not have the Special Needs Educator certificate, then at least one other educator must have that level of expertise. The following are a few examples of starting points to finding information on inclusion.

The Government of British Columbia has a website for inclusive childcare resources and supports (2024), including an Inclusive Child Care Toolkit that you should review.  Two programs which offer consultant services and support for children, their families, and childcare centres, enabling children with support needs to participate in these programs fully can also be found through the site. Additionally, Aboriginal Supported Child Development consultants are community-based professionals who work with families and childcare professionals to develop strategies for inclusion. There can be waitlists. 

West Coast Child Care Resource Centre has many resources on their website, including booklists for children.  

Consider how your centre could expand upon its book selections and artifacts to include diverse themes. Fundraising or seeking donations are ways of building valuable resources. As a leader, you could bring the idea to a staff meeting to get input from others.

Reflective Prompt Questions:

• What action could you take now to strengthen inclusive practices in your centre?

• How could you involve your team in identifying gaps or opportunities for greater inclusion?

• What barriers might exist in your community or workplace regarding inclusive practices, and how might you begin to address them?

• How could your leadership support families of children with diverse needs more effectively?

• How does inclusion connect with your values and vision as an early childhood education leader?

References

Aboriginal Supported Child Development. (2025). Aboriginal Supported Child Development. https://www.ascdp.bc.ca/

Government of British Columbia. (2024, January 8). Early childhood intervention programs. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/child-behaviour-development/early-childhood-intervention

Westcoast Child Care Resource Centre. (2025). Anti-bias resources. https://www.wstcoast.org/news-articles/resources/anti-bias-resources