Diversity and Inclusion in Early Childhood: An Introduction - Softcover

Devarakonda, Chandrika

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0857028510 ISBN 13: 9780857028518

Publisher: SAGE Publications Ltd, 2014

Synopsis

Covering a wide range of concepts and taking a broader perspective of what inclusion entail, this book offers an overview of current research, policy and practice in diversity and inclusion in the early years. It is a clear introduction to what inclusive practice means for those working with young children in the early stages of their lives.

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.

About this title

Review

'The book does not shy away from controversy and debate around whether inclusion can be considered idealistic and these explorations serve t o reinforce the reader's understadning of why inclusion is every child's right'

- Nursery World

'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

'This book asks a multitude of pertinent and searching questions that everyone who cares about equality and works with young children needs to reflect upon in their practice. It is a brave attempt to make sense of how inequality is manifested in early childhood and what we all need to do to counter it and make inclusion a reality'
-Jane Lane, Associate National Children's Bureau, Advocate worker for racial equality in the early years

'I found this book clear, concise and it covered all the main areas of inclusion. The format used to set out each chapter will be extremely useful when working with childcare practitioners and will allow for a measured approach, especially when delivering training'
-Fiona King, EYFS Intervention Officer, Early Years and Childcare, Essex County Council

'This is a much welcomed and refreshing read that explores how a practitioner can consider their practice to be inclusive'
-Kaj Gohil. The Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health

'A readable text, permeated with examples and suggested activities for students. The chapter divisions are also helpful in addressing the interconnected issues that are relevant when one considers all the different populations that fall under the umbrella of inclusion...non dogmatic and writ[t]e[n] in such a way that facilitates discussion and debate. This is not a book that provides the answers. But is is successful in raising awareness and in challenging conventional thinking. Not only is it an ideal introduction to current thinking on inclusion research and practice, but it also serves as a stimulus to current debates in which experienced practitioners, policymakers and academics are currently engaged'
-Professor Peter Farrell, School of Education, The University of Manchester

'Provides an overview of current research, policy and practice in diversity and inclusion in the early years' (Martine Horvath Early Years Educator 2013-05-08)

I think the author brilliantly combined theory, research evidence and practice to offer really great insights into so many strands of inclusion. I love the thoughtful questions posed that are relevant for practice and the deeper debates and controversies that are articulated. And for those who want to go further, it offers some super resources in text and web form. (Prof. Julie Allan)

About the Author

Chandrika Devarakonda is a Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Education and Children's Services at the University of Chester.

Edition details

• Publisher: SAGE Publications Ltd
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 0857028510
• ISBN 13: 9780857028518
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 200