Creating Accessible Early Childhood Support: Voice of the Early Childhood Professionals

Abstract

The goal of this research is to explore what early childhood professionals believe is needed to provide quality, accessible support in an early childhood setting for young children with exceptionalities. Early childhood professionals across BC were asked to complete an online survey to contribute their recommendations regarding accessibility of support for children. In addition, they were asked what collaborative support, education and training would assist them in providing this support. The majority of respondents were age 35 years or above with a number of years experience working in the early childhood field as well as working with young children with exceptionalities. The results identified a lack of accessible support for young children with exceptionalities and a need for a streamlined, publicly funded system to increase accessibility. As well, overwhelmingly, respondents agreed there needed to be more collaboration and networking of services, resources and support that offers inclusive accessibility for young children with exceptionalities and enables early childhood professionals to provide inclusive program quality that meets the needs of all children.