It Starts With Teacher Preparation: Achieving Inclusive Education in Early Childhood

• In Event: AERA Poster Session 5
  In Poster Session: Early Childhood Workforce Issues

Abstract

Early childhood special educators must familiarize themselves with the importance behind inclusive practices, as well as how to implement these practices and collaborate with early childhood educators to support young students with disabilities in the least restrictive environment. Early special educators receive nominal training related to inclusion during their credentialing program. In this study, an Office of Special Education Programs grant addressed this need, creating an inclusive education course for preservice early special educators. Over the course of four years, 97 early special education preservice teachers participated in pre- and post-course surveys which determined that their perception and understanding of inclusive education increased, resulting in effectiveness of the course.

Authors

• Janice Myck-Wayne, California State University - Fullerton

• Sung Hee Lee, California State University - Fullerton

• Aja McKee, California State University, Fullerton