Developing an Inclusion Policy

Child care providers play an important role in the lives of young children and their families and promoting inclusion in your program is good for everyone.  In an inclusive program, children with and without special needs have access to and participate in the same routines, play, and learning experiences as all other children.  Inclusive practices within a program can provide peer role models, allow for opportunities to practice and teach new skills, create a level of comfort in a more diverse community and demonstrate compassion. In an inclusive program, the unique needs of children with special health care needs or disabilities are recognized and addressed. 

To learn more about developing an inclusion policy for your family handbook, please visit the Maryland EXCELS Toolkit.