Inclusion in Early Childhood Education Settings in Philadelphia

Inclusion is an important concept. People want to be included and to belong in families, in communities, and in community institutions such as schools. Yet, all people are not always welcomed and, often, people with differences are the ones who are excluded. Children with differences based on factors such as ability, language and heritage, or life experiences are often viewed as having special needs and needing specialized services or other accommodations to help address differences.

In 2017, directors and teachers in family child care homes and child care centers throughout Philadelphia were surveyed about the types of children who attend child care programs, the activities that would help programs better support children’s participation in their programs, and the supports provided to teachers and children. The following questions are addressed in this paper:

• What do we know about inclusion in Philadelphia child care programs?
• What do child care programs and teachers need to promote full inclusion?
• How does inclusion in Philadelphia child care programs compare with national and state data?
• Where do Philadelphia children with IFSPs or IEPs receive services?
• What do Philadelphia child care directors and teachers report is needed to increase use of inclusive practices for Philadelphia's young children?