ECA position statement: Inclusion of Children

Early Childhood Australia Position Statement

• All children have the right to access and participate in early childhood programs and services.
• Diversity is valued and acknowledged in all early childhood programs and services.
• Early childhood professionals work as partners with families, and in collaboration with other agencies, in providing a program that responds to the individual strengths and needs of all children and respects families priorities and concerns.
• Staff promote the empowerment of families/caregivers as decision-makers about their children's development and wellbeing.
• The early childhood program is inclusive of all children's abilities and interests, seeking to enhance children's development and wellbeing.
• All staff take equal responsibility for the care and learning of all children.
• Staff access specialised advice and appropriate training in developing and implementing inclusive programs, building on existing strengths and accessing additional resources where required.
• Additional staff support a whole-team approach to meeting the needs of all children.
• The environment maximises children's participation, minimises risk and provides a safe physical and emotional environment.
• Planning for successful transition to other programs and services occurs with the child's family and other agencies to support the child's wellbeing and continuity in learning and development.