ASSESSMENT OF INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENTS FOR CHILDREN WITH DIVERSE ABILITIES IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

ABSTRACT

This study examined assessment of inclusive environments for children with diverse abilities in Early Childhood Education. The aim was to assess these perceived challenges in Early childhood education. To achieve this, five research questions were posed. A survey descriptive research design was adopted, with a population consisting of all public primary school pupils in Ovia North East. A sample size of 60 was selected from Ovia North East local government area. The data collection instrument was a questionnaire, and the data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation and two sample independent t-test using Statistical Packages for the Social Science (SPSS). The findings revealed that the methods use in assessing of inclusive environments for children with diverse abilities in early childhood education to a high extent, the skills for modifying inclusive environments to meet the needs of children with diverse abilities to a high extent, the expectations and outcomes related to children with diverse abilities to a high extent and also the instructional strategies to support inclusive environments for children with diverse abilities in early childhood education to a high extent. It was therefore recommended, amongst other that government should supports inclusive environments for children with diverse abilities in early childhood education by endeavor to earmark 5% of the total budget for children with diverse abilities in early childhood education as recommend in the United Nations Organization. Also severe punishment should be meted on financial crimes and other corrupt practices in the educational sector to ensure a steady and friendly environment to ensure continuity and maturity of sustainable curriculum policies for the development of early childhood education programme.