Understanding and Supporting Inclusion

Overview

In this unit, pre-service teachers will gain knowledge and skills to support and identify children with additional needs. Pre-service teachers will be able to work collaboratively with children, families, supporting agencies and other professionals to provide inclusive educational experiences for children with additional needs. Pre-service teachers will demonstrate broad knowledge and understanding of legislative requirements and teaching strategies that support participation and learning of students with additional needs.

Unit learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:

1. Consider the range of additional needs and critically analyse the potential impact on children, families and the wider community
2. Investigate and summarise factors that contribute to additional needs, including socio-cultural, health-related and behavioural
3. Evaluate concepts of inclusion and links to practice
4. Research and synthesise information about specific types of additional needs to inform plans for the inclusion of individual children
5. Identify and apply relevant policies and practices that support children's additional needs, including setting up inclusive environments that invite all children’s full participation
6. Construct strategies and inclusion plans for children showing integrity and a capacity to work collaboratively with families and professionals

Teaching methods

Hawthorn

Assessment

Content

• Inclusion – theory, practice, ethics (inclusive curriculum and environments)
• Image and language of inclusion
• Family-centred practice - Work in partnership with families to access support, resources and additional services
• Strength-based approaches
• Early intervention services and specialists – roles, relationships and communication
• Characteristics of additional needs including Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome
• Equity and social justice
• Anti-bias curriculum revision and how it supports children with additional needs
• Collaboration with other professionals
• Policies, funding and legal requirements