Inclusive Child Care

What is Inclusive Child Care?

Inclusive child care means that children of all abilities and diversities have equitable access to quality child care programs and are supported in learning through play along with their peers in a regular program. Inclusive child care supports the individual strengths and needs of each child to participate meaningfully in all aspects of the child care day. All Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) and child care providers work together as a team to meet the needs of all of the children in their care.

What is the Inclusion Program?

The Inclusion Program provides assistance to regulated child care services to ensure children with exceptionalities (diagnosed or undiagnosed) can participate to their fullest potential in a regular child care program.

Who is eligible to apply?

Any regulated child care service including licensed child care centres; individually licensed family child care homes, and family child care providers approved under an Agency licence.

What supports are available to assist Child Care Service in enhancing inclusionary practices?

Supports such as consultation, training and grants are available where the need has been assessed by a regional Inclusion consultant of the Department of Education. The support of the Inclusion Program is voluntary and is provided at the request of the child care service.

How can additional information on this program be obtained?

For further information on the Inclusion Program please contact your nearest Regional Office: