High-Quality Inclusion in Preschool Settings: A Survey of Early Childhood Personnel
- Resource Type
- Journal Articles
Reports - Research
- Authors
- Steed, Elizabeth A. (ORCID 0000-0002-6886-9066); Rausch, Alissa; Strain, Phil S.; Bold, Ellie; Leech, Nancy
- Source
- Topics in Early Childhood Special Education. Aug 2023 43(2):142-155.
- Subject
- Colorado
- Language
- English
- ISSN
- 0271-1214
1538-4845
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.