What are the five main modules?
The Inclusive Child Care Training is divided into five main modules. The modules are interrelated and designed to be followed in order from module one to five. Module six is optional, and can be accessed after completion of Foundations of Inclusive Child Care.
Inclusion is a lifelong journey and an ongoing commitment, not a destination. Remember, we are all starting this training at different points on our journey of inclusion. As you go through the training, there may be concepts you are familiar with and areas that challenge your understanding. We all have unique strengths and opportunities for growth, this training will help you navigate these.
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The Modules
Modules one through four discuss the core concepts of inclusive child care, including identity development, intersectionality, cultural competency, and considerations for the physical, sensory, and social-emotional aspects of the child care centre. You will also learn about social-emotional development, the nature of behaviour, and how to provide responsive behavioural supports.
Module five begins with a brief review of the main/previous modules, then guides you through reflecting on your current standing in inclusive practices and identifying areas for improvement. Finally, you are asked to utilize your answers from the reflective questions and identified areas to help create your Action Plan.
The additional, optional module (module six) builds on module one through five and has you revisit your Action Plan developed in module five as a means to further explore ways to improve inclusive practices in your program. Module six grants an additional certificate and six hours toward professional development credit. Please note that module six will require you to keep a journal of your observations and strategies over a period of one month, and thus it is recommended that considerations be made if you require completion of professional development before a deadline.
Note: You must use a laptop or desktop computer to take this course; it is not possible to use a smartphone.
Here’s what you’ll learn in each of the modules
Module one provides an introduction to inclusive practices within the context of child care and early childhood education. Examples are drawn from various perspectives, including Indigenous perspectives. You will learn what inclusion is, and what it means to have full access and participation within the child care space. You will also learn how identity and intersectionality are related to inclusion, and about the concepts of cultural competency and Indigenous cultural competency. Also covered are practical considerations and approaches to creating inclusive and supportive child care environments.
Module two discusses factors influencing social emotional development in the context of child care and early childhood education settings, such as play-based learning and recognition of diversity. You will learn inclusive approaches to supporting the development of social emotional competencies and strategies to support social-emotional learning. You will also learn about the power of play, including different types of play, and the benefits of play for physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development and creativity. Finally, you will learn about the importance of representing diverse cultures, abilities, and backgrounds in all activities at your child care program.
Module three discusses inclusion in the context of the child care environment. You will learn about aspects of the child care environment, including the physical, sensory, and social emotional environments, and why they are important for inclusion. Topics covered include infrastructure and physical space, eating spaces, multisensory learning materials, sensory sensitivities, accessible communication, learning experiences, different types of play. You will also learn how to scan the environment and identify areas to promote inclusion.
Module four discusses the nature of behaviour. You will learn about different ways of understanding behaviours, internalized and externalized behaviours, and proactive strategies for promoting expected behaviour. You will also learn about the relationship between behaviours that challenge us and social emotional development and mental health. Finally, you will learn about the usefulness of observation and documentation, and how to develop a plan for collaborating with families.
Module five summarizes the first four modules, then applies the core concepts in guiding you through completing a personalized Inclusion Practice Action Plan. You will complete a reflective assessment of your current use of inclusive practices in your program to identify areas for improvement. Based on your reflections, you will develop a personalized Inclusive Practice Action Plan where you can set goals for implementing your new knowledge!
Foundations of Inclusive Child Care pt. 2 – One Month Journey of Reflection
This is a continuation of Foundation of Inclusive Child Care. This is an optional, additional module to Foundations of Inclusive Child Care part one. Completion of part one is a pre-requisite to enrollment in part two.
Module six is a one-month reflective journaling exercise where you will review and reflect on your goals developed in module five to identify successes and areas for further improvement. You will learn troubleshooting strategies to deal with challenges in meeting your goals and to reframe perspectives. The module includes additional journal prompts for those learners who want to further continue their journey in inclusion.
