How Do Early Childhood Leaders Perceive Inclusion of Young Children with Disabilities in General Education Classrooms?

Öz

Leaders of early childhood programs play a critical role in fostering inclusion and ensuring teachers effectively implement inclusive practices to provide meaningful and enriching learning experiences for all children. However, limited research exists on perspectives about inclusion. This study examined the perceptions of early childhood leaders about the inclusion of young children with disabilities. A total of 168 leaders (directors and assistant directors) participated in the study. Findings revealed moderately favorable perceptions of inclusion. Gender, age, administrative role, and community type were found to predict leaders' perceptions, while professional and personal experience did not show significant associations. These results highlight the need for further research and have implications for inclusive practices in early childhood settings.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Early childhood education
• leader
• perceptions
• inclusion
• children with disabilities
• general education.

Erken Çocukluk Eğitimi Liderleri, Özel Gereksinimli Küçük Çocukların Genel Eğitim Sınıflarına Dahil Edilmesini Nasıl Algılıyor?

Öz

Erken çocukluk programlarının liderleri, kapsayıcılığı teşvik etmek ve öğretmenlerin tüm çocuklar için zenginleştirici öğrenme deneyimleri sunmasını sağlamak konusunda önemli bir rol oynamaktadır. Ancak, kapsayıcılık ile ilgili lider perspektiflerine dair sınırlı araştırma bulunmaktadır. Bu çalışma, erken çocukluk liderlerinin engelli küçük çocukların genel eğitim sınıflarına kaynaştırılması konusundaki bakış açılarını incelemiştir. Çalışmaya toplamda 168 lider (müdür ve müdür yardımcısı) katılmıştır. Bulgular, kapsayıcı eğitime yönelik orta düzeyde olumlu algılar ortaya koymuştur. Cinsiyet, yaş, idari rol ve topluluk türü, liderlerin algılarını etkileyen faktörler olarak belirlenmiştir; ancak mesleki ve kişisel deneyimler anlamlı bir ilişki göstermemiştir. Bu sonuçlar, kapsayıcılık üzerine daha fazla araştırma yapılması gerektiğini vurgulamakta ve erken çocukluk ortamlarında kapsayıcı uygulamalar için önemli çıkarımlar sunmaktadır.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Erken çocukluk eğitimi
• lider
• algılar
• kapsayıcı eğitim
• engelli çocuklar
• genel eğitim

Kaynakça

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