Inclusion refers to every child's right to a high quality education (UNICEF, 1989) and also their right to feel valued, respected, included as one in the community (Early Childhood Australia, 2016). I believe that all children are capable and competent (ACECQA, 2022), if they are given a right environment that understands them and looks after their specific needs by offering various equitable and participatory experiences that enhances children's learning and development

As a teacher, I believe that creating a sense of belonging is very important for the young children. This can be achieved by creating a positive classroom environment where I get to talk to the child, play with them, try to understand their needs and interests. Thus building positive relationships with children and also by promoting collaborative play among children.

Inclusion means embracing diversity. I believe in a culturally responsive classroom where every child is unique in their own abilities, strengths and interests. I also strongly believe that each and every child is unique and also they have unique interests, strengths and abilities to contribute to their surroundings. Every child need to be recognised and accepted irrespective of their race, cultural, linguistic, socio economic or family background (ACECQA, 2022). I aim to provide children with diverse experiences that makes everyone in the classroom feel connected, and also feel connected to the world around us.

I believe in building a strong and a positive relationships with children's family members and their community as parents are children's first teachers. They are the people who know better about their child and are viewed as the informed decision makers for their child's learning and development (Early Childhood Australia, 2016). So, working in collaboration with them allows us to know more about the child that will eventually impact in child's learning and development. Also building relationships with the local community helps us to create a supportive network that helps children with special needs feel included in the classroom. Building relationships with the community and other care professionals also helps me by providing a range of diverse perspectives and resources which eventually helps me with my professional development. (Early Childhood Australia, 2016)

I believe in reflective practice where I critically reflect on my practices and I am open to improve. Professional development as a teacher is very important as I get to remain updated about the ongoing training on inclusive practices, available support, resources and funding that are beneficial for children and for myself in order to promote a positive and inclusive environment in a classroom setting.

I strongly believe that every child is unique and they learn in different ways. As a teacher, I will have to use different strategies to meet the needs of diverse children. By saying different strategies, it includes utilising different learning styles and resources, hands on learning experiences, , use of visual aids and technology. Thus by implementing different ways of learning helps every child to engage in their learning and are able to achieve their full potential (Burman, 2013).

Thus my philosophy mainly emphasis on treating children equally with respect, make them feel valued, included and belonged. Also I aim to provide an inclusive and a holistic learning environment that helps children to achieve success in future.

Parents are the only ones who knows their child better. this question allows parents to explain all the details related to the child which are necessary in creating an inclusive and supportive environment. By knowing a child personality helps us teachers to enhance personalised learning experiences and also helps in building a strong and positive relationship with the children. This question not only helps us to build relationship with children but also with the families. This question also helps us teachers to view children with different abilities or special rights as competent and treat them equally by using a realistic approach to the child (Burman, 2013)

2. Are there any cultural, traditional or any linguistic considerations that we should be aware of ?

This question allows us to know about the child's culture and language in order to promote a culturally responsive classroom environment. This question also makes children and families feel respected, and valued. By knowing their festivals and traditions and celebrating them in the classroom makes them feel belonged. Also as a teacher when I respect children and families culture and diversity, I am able to create a multicultural curriculum that supports children's right to practice their own culture, religion and traditions which in return makes children and families feel accepted, valued and respected (ACECQA, 2022).

This question allows children to express their opinions on what they like and don't like in the classroom. By expressing their opinions children get to know that their opinions are heard and valued. Also this question make children feel the sense of belonging and also makes them feel that their contribution is important in the decision making process. This information from the children not only allows be to understand their developmental needs but also helps me to understand their preferences, strengths, abilities, needs and change the set up of the room accordingly (UNICEF Philippines, 2016), thus promoting an inclusive environment

2. Why do we think we celebrate different festivals around the world ?

This question allows children to think why we celebrate different festivals, thus enhancing them to value and respect other cultures, their language and traditions. This promotes children to understand, respect and appreciate other cultures among children (ACECQA, 2022). Also, it promotes inclusivity in a classroom setting as we celebrate different festivals it created a multicultural classroom setting. This question also helps children to engage in conversations that develops their critical thinking and empathy towards other cultures and in turn will learn to value diversity.

This question allows colleagues to think about their values, and practices within the environment. By discussing the question as team, they can come up with different ideas and strategies which can be used as a team to implement together to promote inclusivity in their respective environments. Also this discussion provides opportunity to collaborate and to stay on the same page of enhancing inclusion and diversity within the educational setting.

2. What strategies you found was most effective in creating a supportive and inclusive environment ?

This question allows educators to share their practical experience to others. Sharing experiences thus helps each other to learn from each other's challenges and success and also helps to gain new ideas that can be implemented in a classroom setting that is accessible to every child (WisconsinDPI, 2018). This question also promotes professional development and also develop a sense of continuous improvement ensuring that all staff are equipped with necessary training and resources to promote inclusivity.

UNICEF. (1989). United Nations convention on the rights of the child. Retrieved from UNICEF website: https://www.unicef.org.au/united-nations-convention-on-the-rights-of-the-child

ACECQA. (2022). Belonging, Being and Becoming: The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia (V2.0). Retrieved from https://www.acecqa.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-01/EYLF-2022-V2.0.pdf

Burman, L. (2013). Special needs or special rights. Retrieved from https://lisaburman.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/special-needs-or-rights.pdf

UNICEF Philippines. (2016, July 19). See what children with disabilities can do. Retrieved August 2, 2024, from YouTube website: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=83&v=rkRyetRMrjQ&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fvucollaborate.vu.edu.au%2F&source_ve_path=MTM5MTE3LDM2ODQyLDEzOTExNywyODY2Ng

WisconsinDPI. (2018, March 1). Meaningful Inclusion in Early Childhood. Retrieved August 2, 2024, from YouTube website: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=52&v=a2wJqDw9B68&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fvucollaborate.vu.edu.au%2F&source_ve_path=MzY4NDIsMjg2NjY