Preparing for and Practicing Inclusion: Doing Justice

Elise C. Tepper Education Fellow, Dr. Carol Trivette and Keynote Speaker, Dr. Sheresa Blanchard

Inclusion of young children with disabilities is strongly supported by research, demonstrating positive outcomes for all children across developmental status and diagnoses. As with all children, children with disabilities come to early childhood settings representing multiple identity groups.

This session will explore identity and belonging as critical aspects of inclusion and the implications for everyday practices in classrooms, homes, and communities, as well as administrative policies and procedures and preservice (university) and inservice professional development.

Dr. Blanchard

Dr. Blanchard is Assistant Professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Science at East Carolina University. Dr. Blanchard’s research and teaching focus on family/community engagement, cultural reciprocity, and improving teacher preparation competencies through the lenses of intersectionality, equity, diversity, and social justice. Dr. Blanchard’s scholarly interests emerged from her 10 years of experience as a practitioner and consultant in early childhood, special education, and early intervention. Blanchard received the Merle B. Karnes Award for Service from DEC, and is a founding member and current co-Chair of DEC’s Inclusion, Equity, and Social Justice Committee.

Dr. Trivette

Dr. Trivette is Professor in Early Childhood at East Tennessee State University and has worked in early intervention (EI) and early childhood special education (ECSE) for over 30 years. In the last 15 years, Dr. Trivette has focused on developing evidence-based professional development strategies for professionals and families in inclusive settings and natural environments and Principal Investigator (PI) or Co-PI on over 15 national/state funded grants. Dr. Trivette has previously directed an EI/ECSE program and many model demonstration research studies. Dr. Trivette is a Past President of the Division for Early Childhood (DEC) of the Council for Exceptional Children, the international professional association for those who work with or on behalf of young children with disabilities and their families.