At The Farmhouse Early Learning and Development Center, we believe that every child deserves a space where they feel seen, supported, and celebrated. Inclusion isn’t just a feature of our program—it’s the foundation. But what does inclusion really mean in early childhood education, and why is it so important from the very beginning? Let’s take a closer look at what inclusion looks like in action and why it matters for children, families, and our broader communities.
What Is Inclusion in Early Childhood?
Inclusion in early childhood means that all children—regardless of ability, background, culture, language, or need—are welcomed into shared learning environments where they can grow, play, and thrive together with appropriate supports. It’s not about separating or labeling children; it is about ensuring access, participation, and a sense of belonging for every child. Legislation like the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) has laid the groundwork for inclusive practices in schools, reinforcing the idea that children with disabilities have the right to learn alongside their peers. However, inclusion goes beyond legal compliance; it’s about fostering a true sense of community and belonging for every child from the very start.
Why It Matters—Especially in the Early Years
The first five years of life are a period of rapid brain development and social-emotional growth. During this time, children build foundational skills that shape how they think, learn, relate to others, and understand the world. Inclusive environments provide opportunities for all children to engage in meaningful interactions, develop communication and problem-solving skills, and build the foundations of empathy and cooperation. When children with and without disabilities learn together, they benefit from peer modeling, shared learning, and the richness of diverse perspectives. They develop empathy and understanding by interacting with peers who have different abilities and experiences. They also begin to respect and celebrate differences rather than fear or misunderstand them. Inclusion doesn’t just support children with disabilities—it creates rich, developmentally appropriate experiences that benefit all young learners.
Why Inclusion Benefits Us All
Inclusion isn’t just good for individual children—it strengthens our entire community. Research has shown that inclusive early learning environments support stronger outcomes for all children. Children with disabilities who participate in inclusive classrooms are more likely to demonstrate gains in cognitive, language, and social-emotional development. They also tend to have greater access to general education settings later in life and show improved readiness for kindergarten. According to a joint policy statement from the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services and Education, high-quality inclusion is linked to better learning outcomes and long-term success.
Inclusion also benefits typically developing children. Studies published in journals such as Early Childhood Research Quarterly have found that children who grow up in inclusive settings are more likely to develop positive attitudes toward diversity, demonstrate leadership skills, and show greater empathy toward others. Exposure to peers with a variety of abilities and backgrounds encourages collaboration, adaptability, and acceptance from an early age. These are essential life skills in our increasingly diverse world.
Families, too, benefit from inclusive environments. Parents of children with disabilities often report feeling isolated or judged in traditional settings. Inclusive programs help families feel connected, supported, and empowered to engage as partners in their child’s growth. For all families, inclusive programs offer an opportunity to be part of a diverse, respectful community where differences are viewed as strengths and every child is seen as capable and valued.
Beyond the classroom, inclusion contributes to stronger, more equitable communities. When children learn side by side, they grow into adults who are more likely to collaborate with others, advocate for equity, and work toward solutions that reflect the needs of all people.
Inclusion Should Be Standard Practice—Not an Add-On
Inclusion should be a standard part of every classroom—not an add-on! Inclusion isn’t a program, label, or special accommodation; it’s a belief that every child has the right to learn and grow in the same space as their peers. It is NOT something we implement only when needed. True inclusion is embedded in daily routines, environments, curriculum, and relationships. When inclusion becomes a standard practice, no child is left on the sidelines—and every child thrives.
How The Farmhouse Models This Philosophy
The Farmhouse Early Learning and Development Center has had the rare opportunity to design our center from the ground up—with inclusion leading every decision. Though we have not yet opened our doors, our entire foundation—both literally and figuratively—has been shaped by the belief that every child deserves to learn in a space where they are welcomed, supported, and celebrated.
From the earliest phases of planning, we asked ourselves: What does it take to create a truly inclusive early learning environment? The answers influenced every aspect of our building’s layout, classroom design, staffing, and program philosophy.
Our classrooms feature wide walkways, low open shelving, calming corners, and visual supports—ensuring that every child can move freely, access materials independently, and engage with their environment confidently. These physical features were intentionally built in—not added later—making accessibility a natural part of the learning experience.
We’ve also adopted a mixed-age classroom model, rooted in the belief that children thrive when learning alongside peers at different developmental stages. In these settings, older children naturally take on leadership and mentoring roles, while younger children benefit from peer modeling, feeling both supported and inspired in a true community of learners.
To further support inclusive care, we’ve dedicated space within our building for an on-site therapy suite that includes a partnership with Ivy Rehab for Kids. This collaboration will allow children to receive services such as occupational, physical, or speech therapy right in the comfort of their learning environment—without being pulled away from their classroom community or daily routines.
Inclusion also exists in our teaching practices. We have invested heavily in staff development to ensure our educators are prepared to meet the needs of all learners. Our approach is also culturally responsive—we celebrate the languages, traditions, and values of our families and create learning environments that reflect the diversity of the children in our care.
Most importantly, families are not just welcome at The Farmhouse—they are essential partners. Even before opening, we are building systems for collaborative goal-setting, transparent communication, and shared decision-making. We believe that family voices strengthen every aspect of inclusion.
How Other Centers Can Begin This Journey
While inclusion is our foundation at The Farmhouse, we also believe that any early childhood program can be inclusive. You don’t need a complete facility overhaul to start building inclusive practices! Any program—regardless of size, budget, or demographics—can take the initiative toward becoming more inclusive. Here are a few small steps that can make a big difference:
- Start by auditing your environment:
Take a fresh look at your classrooms. Can every child reach the materials? Is there a quiet place to regroup? Are your books and visuals diverse and representative? - Embrace a strengths-based approach:
Instead of focusing on limitations, concentrate on what each child can do—and use those strengths to support further growth. - Collaborate with local therapists and Early Intervention eams:
Build relationships with early interventionists and therapists in your community, even before services are needed. - Foster peer relationships
Encourage peer-to-peer relationships through cooperative play and buddy systems. Relationships are the foundation of inclusive classrooms. - Invest in staff training:
Start small with book studies, workshops, or online courses on inclusive practices. Ongoing learning leads to lasting change! - Engage families as experts:
Families know their children best! Invite families into the process—include their insights in lesson planning, assessments, and classroom decisions.
The Takeaway
Inclusion isn’t a checkbox; it’s a commitment to equity, belonging, and access for every child. When early learning programs embrace inclusion as a foundational value, they help build more compassionate classrooms, more connected families, and a more inclusive society.
And the best part? You can do it too!
Whether you’re an educator, administrator, or parent, the opportunity to support inclusion in the early years is a powerful one. By creating learning environments where every child feels seen, safe, and supported, we’re not just improving early education—we’re shaping a more inclusive future for everyone.