| What is inclusion? Inclusion is an educational | | | | Making friendsGaining self-respect and positive |
| philosophy that supports the rights of all children | | | | self-esteemLearning to value and respect our |
| regardless of their abilities and needs. Head Start's | | | | individual differencesAttaining independence and |
| goal is to provide all children with a safe and | | | | interdependenceHaving and becoming peer |
| nuturing-learning environment, where their unique | | | | modelsLearning to help othersOpportunities for |
| strengths and abilities are recognized. Family, | | | | learning in a variety of ways |
| culture, life experiences and interests are | | | | What are some Head Start benefits?The Head |
| respected and valued as staff provides meaningful | | | | Start program offers comprehensive program |
| educational experiences.How does inclusion | | | | that provides: |
| work?Inclusion is a team effort. Each team | | | | Qualified teaching staff that offer educational |
| consists of the parents or guardians, teaching | | | | experiences in a planned, nurturing |
| staff, and other professionals involved with the | | | | environmentHealth specialists (Special Educators, |
| child. The team works together and shares their | | | | Speech Pathologists, Public Health Nurses, an |
| knowledge, skills and experiences to support the | | | | Audiologist, Nutritionists, Dental Hygienist and |
| needs of all children. Developmentally appropriate | | | | Mental Health Specialists) who ensure that health |
| strategies are used to help each child learn at his | | | | needs are metFamily Advocates who work with |
| or her own pace and in his or her own way.What | | | | the families and provide workshops and |
| does inclusion look like in the classroom?Inclusion | | | | resourcesFree field trips as a part of the |
| means that all children are fully included in all | | | | curriculumFree meals that meet USDA |
| classroom activities. Head Start supports the | | | | guidelinesParent involvement and leadership |
| inclusion philosophy by providing a variety of | | | | opportunities for family member |
| educational settings. Whether they are in a regular | | | | - Learn more about the Oahu Head Start |
| Head Start classroom, a Family Child Care Home, | | | | program in Hawaii. - Find out more about the |
| or a Home Based program, all children are active | | | | programs and services that are offered by the |
| participants as their individual needs are being | | | | Oahu Head Start Program. - Have more questions |
| addressed.What are the benefits of an inclusive | | | | get the answers here. |
| setting?Children benefit from inclusion through: | | | | |