The Lion's Pride Volume 10 (Spring 2018) | Page 76

carrying out accommodations and modifications for students who
requires special education services. The two teachers, as well as
paraprofessionals, have the responsibility to educate all students in the
classroom”. The team might include special education professionals,
behavior and child development specialists, as well as community
resource experts.
Once a strong teaching team is in place then begins the work of
involving the families of the children in the program and including them
in the educational process. Building a connection between home and
school is essential to the overall success rate of the children participating
in an inclusive program. As all children learn from modeling, an
inclusive environment is most effective when all essential components
are working together. These essential components are a strong teaching
team, informed and involved families and a committed community
network of professional resources.
The benefits found within inclusive programs are not limited to those
children with special needs because typically developing children can
thrive in a well-structured inclusive setting as well. The Early Childhood
Alliance (2015) states, “An inclusive attitude accepts that all children
with and without disabilities should be respected and supported to feel
capable and safe, and can experience the benefits of living and growing
together.” Aside from being a representation of a community (which is
significant for the socio-emotional development of all children) as a