Inclusion
Children are competent, capable of complex thinking, curious and rich in potential. They grow up in families with diverse social, cultural and linguistic perspectives. Every child should feel that he or she belongs, is a valuable contributor to his or her surroundings, and deserves the opportunity to succeed.
When we recognize children as capable and curious, we are more likely to deliver programs and services that value and build their strengths and abilities (Reference: "How Does Learning Happen - Ontario Ministry of Education." Ministry of Education. Queen's Printer for Ontario, 2014).
As the Consolidated Municipal Service Manager, The City of Windsor Children's Services is committed to the inclusion of all children in early learning and care programs regardless of their diverse strengths and needs. Inclusion means that all children will learn together in environments that provide services and supports for all children as needed.
City of Windsor Children's Services requires all early learning and child care programs that have entered into a purchase of service agreement with the City of Windsor to have an inclusion, access and equity policy. The goal is to ensure that all children, regardless of their diverse strengths and needs, have access to an early learning and child care centre in their community.
Every licensed early learning and child care program in Windsor-Essex has access to a Resource Consultant for children with special needs, through Children First, who regularly visits and provides support, including:
- Early identification and intervention
- Individual and program consultation
- Training and coaching to Early Childhood Educators
- Consultative/intensive resource support, as required
- Program adaptations and modifications
- Service coordination, and more
There are a number of agencies in Windsor that provide support to families with children from birth to six who have special needs. These supports play an important role in a child's early learning and development.