Diversity and Inclusion in Early Childhood
An Introduction
- Chandrika Devarakonda - University of Chester, UK
With case studies and activities designed to help students relate to diverse situations, the author discusses the main issues surrounding:
- race
- gender
- culture
- disability and Special Educational Needs
- English as an Additional Language
- Traveller children
- the contexts of inclusion and exclusion
- good practice in early childhood settings
- different perspectives of inclusion
This is essential reading for students studying inclusion and diversity on early childhood or early years courses, and those seeking to promote good practice and enable all children to develop to their full potential irrespective of their background.
'The success of this book is in its ability to explore inclusion from a wide perspective. Offering a range of thought-provoking material, such as reflective questions, debates and controversies, practitioner, parent and children's views, legislation, activities, and examples of good practice, will keep readers interested and actively engaged throughout the book'
-Dr Anna Kilderry, Senior Lecturer, Early Childhood Education, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
Chandrika Devarakonda is a Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Education and Children's Services at the University of Chester.
I use this text across a range of programmes, modules and levels of study. It covers a range of relevant issues and is easy to digest. Students find this book user friendly.
Added to the background reading on Children's Right's, Inclusion and Diversity module
I like the subheadings within each chapter - debates and implications from practice etc. These give focus to the information and provide easy access for students and practitioners looking for a particular piece of information. Plenty of information in a subject area that is rapidly changing
This book introduces the concept of inclusion and how it can be interpreted in many different ways. The first section explores this in some detail before dividing the book into chapters that focus on a different group of society that may have faced nmarginalisation. By linking these to inclusion, it allows a debate to emerge about the ways in which the early childhood setting can become more inclusive. Each chapter provides an overview, case studies, examples of good practice, research issues and further reading. It is easy to read and understand whilst at the same time is not merely a descriptive narrative of inclusion. It encourages the reader to question their own understanding of the inclusion debate and would be entirely appropriate for undergraduate study.
The book takes a broad view of inclusion, and thus provides a valuable introduction for Early Years students. It is accessible and interesting, and case studies provide useful examples of practice.
An excellent book which my students found very informative and supportive during their module relating to inclusion.
A valuable resource for this area of study
This is an excellent source of information regarding additional support needs. It does not have a regional focus and would provide valuable background reading for students and teachers. It covers all the key areas that are relevant in schools today, including children from traveling families, children with EAL and gender and race inclusion.
For the year 1 BA Education course
While this is a complex subject this text draws out the key tenants in am accessible way.
