The Past, Present and Future of Early Childhood Inclusion in Canada

This article examines the roots of inclusion in Canada’s educational and early childhood settings as a colonized nation. It discusses how to address the damage done to create inclusive environments where every child is empowered. While we have moved away from exclusion and segregation, inclusion policies are still resisted by parents, educators, and policymakers due to a turbulent past and the lack of coherent programming and funding (Halfton & Friendly, 2015). The author examines the dichotomy of care and education in relation to inclusion, criticizes using children as objects of scientific inquiry, and maintains the importance of upholding a capable image of the child. Modern-day inclusion policies may harm autistic children instead of helping, as they may not truly be in the best interest of children with disabilities.

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