1. Visions, Practices, and Measures: International Experiences on Achieving High Quality Inclusion Camille Catlett, John Forster, & Elena Soukakou

2. Agenda Building the Framework: Establishing a Vision for High Quality Inclusion Quantifying What’s Really Important: Using the Inclusive Classroom Profile to Measure Quality Inclusion Achieving the Vision: Evidence- Based Practices That Support Inclusion

3. Early Childhood Inclusion: A Joint Position Statement of DEC and NAEYC Defining Inclusion

4. Definition Early childhood inclusion embodies the values, policies, and practices that support the right of every infant and young child and his or her family, regardless of ability, to participate in a broad range of activities and contexts as full members of families, communities, and society.

5. … desired results of inclusion The desired results of inclusive experiences for children with and without disabilities and their families include  a sense of belonging and membership,  positive social relationships and friendships,  development and learning to reach their full potential.

6. … three defining features of inclusion ACCESS PARTICIPATION SUPPORTS

7. Building the Framework: Establishing a Vision for High Quality Inclusion John Forster CEO Noah’s Ark Inc Melbourne, Australia

8. Case study: Developing a joint statement on inclusion between professional sectors in Australia Developing a shared vision: What relationships will make your work in inclusion more successful? copyright Noah's Ark Inc 2012 8

9. How important is shared vision?  Importance in learning experiences  Importance in work experiences  Importance of relationships to inclusion copyright Noah's Ark Inc 2012 9

10. What makes inclusion work?  Positive attitudes and beliefs  Flexible programs  Good professional support  Access to resources copyright Noah's Ark Inc 2012 10

11. Why are shared vision and strong relationships important? Short term: maximises existing capacity Long term:  builds skills and knowledge  creates rationale for greater investment  supports from communities and cultures  positive policies and budgets copyright Noah's Ark Inc 2012 11

12. Australian Context  Government: 6 States and 2 mainland territories  Landmass: five per cent of world  Population: almost 23 million  States / Territories: responsible for health and education  Australian Government: responsible for Child Care copyright Noah's Ark Inc 2012 12

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17. Australia: The Good News  Early Childhood Education and Care Reforms  National Quality Framework  Universal 4 year old program of 15 hours  National Disability Strategy  National Disability Insurance Scheme copyright Noah's Ark Inc 2012 17

18. Australia: The Reality Check  Vastly different experiences  Lack of effective legal protections  Lack of professional development  Low level of expenditure  Resources inconsistent/ limited  Lack of data copyright Noah's Ark Inc 2012 18

19. Brief Cultural Comparison USAAUSTRALIA Founders: PilgrimsFounders: Convicts Purpose: Self- improvement Purpose: Avoid getting caught Better oneselfStick with your mates Measures of performanceDon’t let boss know Self ImprovementTall poppy syndrome copyright Noah's Ark Inc 2012 19

20. Shared Vision: Joint Statement on Inclusion USAAUSTRALIA DECECIA NAEYCECA copyright Noah's Ark Inc 2012 20

21. Shared Vision: Process  Listening sessions (7)  National survey (1403)  Expert panels (2)  Drafting Team (2+2)  Consultation to branches (15)  Final Drafting copyright Noah's Ark Inc 2012 21

22. Joint Statement Structure  Position Statement  Underlying beliefs: Rights, Principles, Ethics  Rationale: Why do we need a statement?  Actions: Professional bodies, services, institutions copyright Noah's Ark Inc 2012 22

23. Joint Statement: Actions  Attitudes  Workforce  Collaboration  Lack of cross sector understanding  Quality of early childhood services copyright Noah's Ark Inc 2012 23

24. Joint Statement: Rights ECAECIA Rights of the child Convention on the Rights of Persons with a Disability Statements on Inclusion in mainstream education copyright Noah's Ark Inc 2012 24

25. Joint Statement: Principles ECAECIA Best interests of child Social Inclusion Diversity Equity Importance of families High Expectations for every child Evidence-based practice copyright Noah's Ark Inc 2012 25

26. Joint Statement: Rationale  Child’s services and institutional care  Segregated community services  Human Rights and access  Outcomes for every young child copyright Noah's Ark Inc 2012 26

27. Position Statement  Our position is that children with a disability have the same rights as all children and additional rights because of their disability. They share with all children the right to be valued as individuals and as contributing members of families, communities and society. copyright Noah's Ark Inc 2012 27

28. Position Statement  Every child is entitled to access and participate in ECEC programs which recognise them as active agents in their own lives and learning, respond to them as individuals, respect their families as partners and engage with their diverse backgrounds and cultures. copyright Noah's Ark Inc 2012 28

29. Position Statement  This means that ECEC services and support professionals must be resourced and supported to the level required to fully include children with a disability and to achieve high quality outcomes for all children. copyright Noah's Ark Inc 2012 29

30. Reflections: Developing relationships Process needs patience:  Telling the stories  Agreeing the principles/values  Agreeing the position copyright Noah's Ark Inc 2012 30

31. Reflections: Sector relationships Shared expertise vital for:  Professional development  Individualized programs  Positive attitudes  Utilisation of resources copyright Noah's Ark Inc 2012 31

32. Reflections: Future action  Is there a strong enough will in ECA and ECIA to continue to create progress? copyright Noah's Ark Inc 2012 32

33. Reflections: Your reflections  Shared Vision: What relationships will make your work in inclusion more successful? copyright Noah's Ark Inc 2012 33

34. For further information contact: John Forster john.forster@noahsarkinc.org.au copyright Noah's Ark Inc 2012 34

35. Quantifying What’s Really Important: Using the Inclusive Classroom Profile to Measure Quality Inclusion Elena’s slides drop in here

36. Shifting Paradigms be able to do Know & Evidence- based practices Evidence

37. Research Synthesis Points on Inclusion and on Quality Inclusive Practices

38. Evidence-Based Practices that Support Inclusion handouts

39. Putting Access, Participation, and Supports into Action

40. Questions? Comments?