High-Quality Inclusion in Preschool Settings: A Survey of Early Childhood Personnel

Abstract

We utilized a survey to explore how early childhood personnel delivered high-quality and inclusive preschool special education and related services to young children with disabilities in one U.S. Western state. We conducted quantitative analyses on 418 participants’ survey responses, including t tests and Mann Whitney tests to examine differences in the use of high-quality inclusion practices between early childhood special educators (ECSEs) (n = 209) and related service personnel (RSP) (n = 209). Findings indicated that ECSEs were more likely than RSP to implement high-quality inclusion practices. All personnel reported inconsistent use of teaming practices. Services were provided most often inside the classroom with peers; however, several personnel provided support to children inside their classroom but in a separate space or outside of their classroom. We discuss findings in the context of ways in which early childhood personnel can be supported to use high-quality inclusion practices.