Integrating Social Inclusion Strategies

Supporting all children in early childhood education

In a study published by the American Academy of Pediatrics in 2018, an estimated 1 in 40 children are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This shocking statistic only reflects parent-reported diagnosis and some studies have reported an even higher prevalence. As part of NHSA’s Year of Whole Health, in April we asked: As our knowledge and ability to diagnose and treat children with ASD, sensory processing disabilities, and other special needs advances, what is the impact in the early childhood classroom?

Early childhood classrooms have continued to become more diverse. As the need to address and embrace unique differences early in life increases, so does the need to integrate social inclusion strategies that welcome and support children of all abilities and skill levels. Inclusion strategies in early childhood settings ensure the right of all children, regardless of their individual abilities, to participate and engage in learning, playing, and other activities that influence development.

Head Start has always valued and embraced the diverse backgrounds, skills, and abilities of the young children we serve. Individualized teaching and social inclusion is a core component of effective Head Start classrooms. But because of the many unique needs and abilities of children, it can be difficult to know what works best for individuals or how to know where to start. That’s why NHSA dedicated this Year of Whole Health month to sharing these ideas and resources to help Head Start practitioners incorporate innovative and successful strategies to include all children in play and learning environments.

In April, which is also Autism Awareness Month, NHSA hosted a webinar, Supporting Children with Sensory Challenges. Through this on-demand learning opportunity, we heard from autism and sensory processing disorder experts from Shane’s Inspiration and Els for Autism about best practices and strategies for supporting young children with special needs and integrating social inclusion strategies in Head Start. If you would like to learn more about our Year of Whole Health and access to webinar recordings, please email sneil@nhsa.org.

What did we learn this month?

1. Sensory processing disorder is when one’s central nervous system has difficulty processing and responding to sensory information and can be reflected in atypical movement, language, or behavior. For most of us, sensory processing is effortless and does not disrupt our daily activities. However, those with sensory processing challenges may have more difficulty processing certain sounds, movements, touches, or environments.
2. Exclusion from learning and social environments for children with special needs can drastically impact health and developmental outcomes. Children with disabilities are more likely to be bullied than their peers, socially isolated later in life, and unemployed after high school. It is critical to ensure all children are included in learning and play activities in early childhood to reduce negative developmental outcomes later in life.
3. There are many ways to modify classroom environments to support the needs of children with disabilities and sensory challenges. For example, for children with auditory processing disorders, providing headphones, soothing sounds or certain types of music, sound buffered spaces, and seating away from loud PA systems may help to reduce sensitive reactions to loud or uncomfortable noises.
4. It is important for adults to guide children in supporting and including their classmates with special needs in their play and learning. Activities that allow all children to engage and participate can help classmates learn how to respond appropriately and supportively to children with sensory or social challenges.

Where can you learn more about how to integrate social inclusion strategies in your classroom?

1. Register for the next Gro More Good Initiative webinar titled, The Therapeutic Value of Gardening for Children, to learn more about how gardens can serve as safe learning and play spaces for children with any ability or skill set and how to incorporate the therapeutic benefits of gardens for all children. Register for the webinar here coming up on May 15th from 3:00–4:00 pm EDT.
2. Check out the NEW Autism 101 Course from Quorum and Kaplan Early Learning. This course is $30 and worth 0.3 CEUs. View the new promotional video to learn more.
3. Explore the CDC Autism Campaign website, Learn the Signs, Act Early, to download the free Milestone Tracker App and other resources for early education staff, educators, and parents.
4. Get involved with the new awareness campaign from Autism Speaks and download the free resources and educational materials for families and educators.

Interested in continuing this conversation online? Log into The Block to engage in discussion, peer-to-peer learning, and idea and resource sharing with hundreds of other NHSA members within 9 different Communities of Practice. If you have questions about The Block and NHSA’s membership, please contact Taylor Bohn at tbohn@nhsa.org.

If you have any questions about this topic or any other topic within NHSA’s Year of Whole Health Initiative, please contact Sarah Neil at sneil@nhsa.org.