Special and Inclusive Education in Early Childhood

This unit provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively support children with additional needs in early childhood settings. By integrating historical, political, and theoretical knowledge with practical application, the unit promotes the inclusion of children with additional needs (e.g., developmental delays, autism spectrum disorder, physical disabilities, sensory impairments, or behavioural challenges) in mainstream Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) settings. It empowers pre-service teachers to establish supportive learning environments and adopt pedagogies that encourage the learning and development of children with additional needs in inclusive learning settings.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. Analyse historical developments, theoretical perspectives, and legislative frameworks in special and inclusive education;
2. Construct understanding of various types of special needs, including giftedness, behaviour, and developmental progress;
3. Analyse inclusive teaching practices which accommodate diverse learning needs and behaviour support models;
4. Investigate trauma-aware practices and early intervention strategies to support the holistic development and well-being of children with special needs; and,
5. Reflect on the role of the teacher in facilitating effective teaching-learning activities for children with special needs.