The purpose of this
document is to provide a policy on Inclusion. This
policy will describe in detail what an inclusive
active learning environment is, and how it supports
the individuality, dignity and development of children
within the Human Services Department, Children
Services Division.
United Nations Convention on the Rights
of the Child – (Article 23) addresses
the human rights of children with a disability
by promoting dignity and self reliance and by
facilitating the active participation of children
with disabilities in their communities.
The Canadian Charter of Human Rights
and Freedoms – states that: all
individuals must be treated equally,
regardless of their race, national or ethnic
origin, colour, religion, sex, age or mental
or physical disability.
Canadian Human Rights Act – states
that: Employer and service providers
are required to accommodate special needs, including
those of people with disabilities, short of undue
hardship.
What is
Inclusion?
“An all inclusive
society creates both the feeling and
the reality of belonging and helps each
of us reach our full potential.” (Ontario
Inclusion Learning Network)
The Ontario Municipal Social Services Association
(OMSSA) defines children with special
needs as “children
who, due to emotional, familial,
physical, behavioural, developmental, cognitive,
communicative or emotional factors, are at risk
of not maximizing their potential. Special needs
encompass children who require support and assistance
with daily living, whether formally diagnosed
or not and whether a diagnosis is short or long
term in nature.”
Guiding
Principles
Inclusion – ALL
CHILDREN BELONG
We believe…
An inclusive active learning environment
supports all children’s uniqueness, dignity,
development
Children with special needs are first and
foremost children, with the
right to be included in all aspects of their
community
Through using exemplary practices to focus
on children’s interest, strengths and needs,
we can support all children’s development
Partnerships between families and their
support systems reflect involvement, input and
ongoing collaboration from all participants
Diversity in all forms enriches communities
to be better and more productive
places to Learn. Play. Care.
Human
Services
Department
Inclusion
Policy
We believe that all children
will develop to the best of their ability if they
have a positive, nurturing, secure developmental
environment that promotes physical, social, emotional
and cognitive growth.
We are committed to responding to the needs
of the community and children with special requirements
who may physically, developmentally or socially
require access to a range of services that will
assist them in maximizing their learning
opportunities.
The Special Needs Programs offered by the
Region of Peel’s Human Services Department
gives all children and their
families an opportunity to participate
in quality early learning and child care. Children
with special needs are able to maximize their
learning opportunities through individualized
programs, supports and services both at the Regional
Child Care Centre’s; in the community and
through other specialized programs such as, the
Valley Infant-Parent Program and the Shelter
Program.
Supporting
Policies
In addition to the
Human Services Department’s guiding principles
and policy statement, the Region of Peel and Children’s
Services Division have developed further policies
to support the standards of inclusion.
Core principles of equality, fairness and
dignity as stated in the Region of
Peel Human Services Departmental
position for Early Learning and Childcare
