Attitudes of Early Childcare Professionals Toward the Inclusion of Children With Disabilities

In this study, 78 preschool teachers from general and integrative preschools report on their attitudes toward the inclusion of children with disabilities. Professionals from integrative preschools held more positive beliefs. The attitudes held by professionals vary with the type of disability. Practitioners indicated less competence and experience concerning the inclusion of children with intellectual disabilities or hearing or vision impairment. More favorable ratings were obtained for the inclusion of children with language disorders, physical disabilities, and social-emotional problems.