The Inclusive Early Childhood Educator: A Hands-On Approach

The Inclusive Early Childhood Educator arrives when research confirms the first five years shape lifelong development. Seasoned professionals Dr Jane Warren and Blake Stewart equip educators with practical strategies for creating genuinely inclusive environments.

Rather than offering simplistic checklists, the authors share evidence-based approaches that empower thoughtful, individualised responses to inclusion challenges. This book embraces the principle that every child deserves recognition while acknowledging the complexities in supporting children with disabilities, developmental delays and neurodivergence.

Providing concrete tools for professional growth, family partnership and diversity-rich environments, this indispensable resource serves both newcomers and experienced early childhood practitioners looking to elevate their inclusive practice.

Dr Jane Warren is a senior lecturer in early childhood at the University of Wollongong. She brings a unique blend of practical and academic expertise to the field of early childhood education, drawing from her experience as both a preschool practitioner and supported playgroup facilitator. Her research focuses on the inclusion of children with disabilities in early childhood education and care services, with particular emphasis on fostering collaborative relationships between parents and educators within an ecological framework. Jane's commitment to children's rights and her dual perspective as both academic and practitioner positions her as a distinctive voice in inclusive early childhood education practices.

Blake Stewart is a seasoned professional with more than a decade of experience in early childhood education and early intervention, currently serving as director of engagement at Reimagine Australia, which leads lead nationwide initiatives to embed inclusive practices into national frameworks. His expertise spans across education, health and disability sectors, with a focus on creating holistic, family-centred supports for children with disabilities, developmental differences or neurodivergence. An accomplished teacher and published author, Blake has taught at several prestigious universities, and his contributions to the field have been recognised with the National Excellence in Teaching Award (2019).