Inclusive Education: A natural way to learn and grow

Every morning, children arrive at our services with unique gifts, challenges, and ways of seeing the world. Our learning environments are like a microcosm of the diversity of our communities.  Like the world outside, they are filled with different perspectives, cultures and abilities. 

 

In our naturally diverse society, inclusive education – welcoming children of all abilities, including those with disabilities and neurodiversity – means everyone benefits.

 

Did you know? 

 

In Australia, approximately 1 in 10 children have a disability, including intellectual, sensory or physical impairment. 

 

Beyond ‘visible’ disabilities, in 2017–18, around 43 per cent of children had at least one long-term condition. Children in our early years classrooms also have food allergies, anaphylaxis, asthma, diabetes, cancer, anxiety, trauma and a whole range of other lived experiences that impact how they show up every day, and the ways they need to be supported. 

 

The 2021 Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) demonstrated a 22 per cent increase in the number of children assessed as developmentally vulnerable in one or more domains of physical health and well-being, social competence, emotional maturity, language and cognitive skills and communication skills and general knowledge. 

 

When our classrooms embrace inclusive education and welcome children of all abilities, including those with disabilities and neurodiversity—something remarkable happens: everyone benefits.

 

A Natural Way to Learn and Grow

 

Think of a classroom as a small community. When children of all abilities learn side by side, they discover that difference is a natural part of the human experience and the world around them.

 

Young children are natural champions of inclusion. They haven’t yet learned to build the barriers that society sometimes places between people. A child in a wheelchair might be the class’s best storyteller. A student with autism might show their classmates fascinating new ways to solve puzzles. These daily interactions teach all children that there are many ways to be smart, capable, and valuable.

Understanding differences at an early age leads to a more enriched, real-world learning experience for children. In inclusive classrooms, they learn:

 

• Empathy, collaborative skills and respect for everyone’s unique contributions.
• Better critical thinking skills, greater resilience and adaptability.
• Insights into problem-solving approaches different to their own. 
• A broader worldview and a natural appreciation for diversity. 
• Stronger communication abilities. 

 

Addressing Common Concerns

 

“It’s not fair – my child is missing out on learning at Kindy because so much of your time is spent dealing with Sam’s outbursts! He can’t even finish his painting because Sam knocked everything over. It isn’t fair!”

 

One of the most frequent concerns raised by parents of neurotypical children (someone who thinks and processes information in typical ways for their culture) is the impact of inclusive education on their child’s learning. 

 

Comments like “My child won’t get enough attention” or “The class will be held back” stem from misunderstandings about inclusive education. As parents, we all want the best for our children – and inclusive classrooms are a great start to a life of learning. 

 

Celebrating Diversity, Not Fearing It

 

Diversity in our classrooms shouldn’t be viewed as a challenge to overcome but as an opportunity to enrich everyone’s learning experience. 

 

Inclusive Classrooms have proven benefits for all students

 

• Studies demonstrate neurotypical students in inclusive classrooms show equal or even better academic progress compared to those in non-inclusive settings.
• Teachers in inclusive classrooms often develop more versatile teaching strategies that benefit every student. 
• The presence of additional support staff and resources in inclusive classrooms can increase the attention all students receive. 

 

A Real-World Example

 

When four-year-old Jack, who has autism, joined the class, some parents expressed concerns about classroom disruption. However, by the end of the year, something remarkable had happened. Not only had Jack thrived with the right supports in place, but his classmates had also experienced unexpected benefits:

 

• Emma, initially struggling with language delays, discovered she learned better using the visual aids introduced for Jack
• Marcus developed leadership skills and emotional intelligence by becoming Jack’s peer buddy, modelling how to use the calm corner
• Jill’s parents observed her using sensory tools like stretchy bands and lycra body sock and realised these tools could help her at home
• The entire class showed measurable improvements in empathy and problem-solving skills. They also picked up some simple Auslan signs and enjoyed using them to communicate with each other
• Parents reported their children were more accepting of differences and better at communicating with others
• The teacher reported a measurable increase in the whole group’s understanding of empathy, collaboration, and respect for one another’s unique contributions. 
• An additional educator joined the teaching team and helped all children develop better regulation skills and supported more small group activities and one-on-one learning moments.

 

The Power of Empathy

 

One of the most valuable outcomes of inclusive education is the development of empathy. Children who learn alongside peers with diverse needs:

 

• Develop stronger emotional intelligence
• Learn to recognise and appreciate different perspectives
• Build skills in compassion and understanding
• Become natural advocates for equality and inclusion

 

Looking to the Future

 

When we embrace different ways of thinking, moving, and interacting, all children can develop stronger social skills and deeper understanding. A child who learns to explain concepts in multiple ways helps cement their knowledge. A child who discovers different approaches to problem-solving gains creative thinking skills that last a lifetime.

 

We live in a global, interconnected world, where success increasingly depends on working effectively with people who think and learn differently than ourselves. A classroom that celebrates diversity creates daily opportunities for students to develop empathy, leadership, problem-solving and collaboration skills they’ll use throughout their lives.

 

Our society includes people of all abilities and neurotypes – we can be proud when our early years classrooms reflect this reality. 

 

Reference: Students with disabilities mainstream classrooms