Essay (2500 words) (weighting: 50%) Suggested focus: Critical analysis of one relevant curriculum approach or model Curriculum approaches reflect ideas about how stakeholders (partners) in early...

Early Childhood Education – An Inclusive Approach
Early Childhood Education – An Inclusive Approach
Introduction
One of the major highlights of Early childhood education has been inclusivity which is increasingly becoming the need due to the presence of more and more diversity in communities compared to earlier. There is a growing difference in linguistic, cultural and developmental diversity in schools and education centres. The focus of inclusive approach is that all children achieve learning excellence while at the same time become more accepting and tolerant towards each other, learn of each other’s similarities and differences and thereby help promote healthy development in all children (Ponciano, & Shabazian, 2012).
While an inclusive approach is very ideal and necessitated, there are situations when exclusive approach becomes necessary. Even though inclusive approach promotes cooperation and understanding, exclusive approach can help focus on a particular population and focus on their unique needs.
Inclusive approach to ECCED
The chosen cu
iculum approach is Inclusive approach and against its background, exclusive approach has also been analysed. The inclusive approach focuses on recognizing diversity in children, in their families as well as communities (Arthur et al, 2017). The EYLF takes particular care regarding advocating equity for young children. The principles of Be, Being and Becoming can only be realized when children feel their backgrounds and origins are being recognized and respected (Belonging, Being and Becoming: The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia, 2009). This applies to all children, regardless of their community, religion or individual ability or disability.
The Australian cu
iculum and policy framework both encourage development of successful confident and informed children. In order to achieve this, it is important that children are provided with appropriate opportunities to engage in any and every learning that helps to create a successful future for them and their lives.
Each child has a need for recognition. They need to be recognized for their strengths and for who they are as individuals and how they relate to the community. This need can only be fulfilled through an inclusive approach to education. In an inclusive approach, the focus of education is having a flexible approach which adapts to the learning of each child and personalizes the learning provided to them (Arthur et al, 2017).
An inclusive approach includes respecting diversity. Respecting diversity in important because without it, children cannot be made to feel appreciated. All cultures along with the differences in their languages, diversity, ethnicity, genders, learning styles, sexuality and family structures need to be em
aced. The Australian Cu
iculum encourages increasing the understanding and respect for all cultures including the Aboriginal and To
es Strait Islander communities (Lee-Hammond, 2013). This goes in line with the moto of providing educational equity for all children at an individual level.
Children need a place to belong. In order to create such a place for children, it is important that learning environments are created in such a manner that it gives the feelings of open, collaborative and safety. This will help children in developing confidence in sharing ideas, thoughts and applying their knowledge and skills. Belonging further helps children against mental health problems and improves their learning.
Inclusiveness helps children develop a sense of belonging. Teachers need to facilitate this sense by supporting children in developing their skills of working with others. Children need to develop the ability to play together, to help others, to be a part of a group and develop empathy. In order to develop these important skills, teachers need to provide children with healthy support and learning environments. At the same time, it is important to involve families and communities in the inclusive process since children come from families and families come from communities. This in turn encourages development of children as a part of the whole community. Developing the feelings of belonging at a young age helps children to become confident as they grow, and allows them to engage an explore the world and be more self-expressive.
Pedagogy and Pedagogical choices for Inclusive Approach
Pedagogy refers to the techniques and practices used by educators in order to create influence towards something particular. It ensures that children are provided with high quality care and education through techniques that can help them learn and develop in a certain manner. DEEWR defines pedagogy as “The function or work of teaching: the art or science of teaching, education instructional methods” (Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR), 2009, p.42).
The function of teaching is not a static one. It is dynamic and this means that pedagogy is not something that remains the...