A Call for Immediate Action in Special Education

Can you feel it? That back-to-school buzz is in the air, and let me tell you, it’s sparking some serious conversations in the Special Education world. So, what’s got everyone talking? You guessed it – inclusion. But here’s the real kicker: we’re not just chatting about what inclusion looks like, we’re diving deep into when it should kick off. Now, I bet you’re dying to know my go-to response when parents and teachers hit me with the big question: “When does inclusion start for a child?” I can sum it up in just one word.

Now.

The Problem with Delayed Inclusion

Despite this straightforward answer, many schools and educators operate under the misguided notion that inclusion can wait until the general education classrooms have “settled into a routine.” This approach, however well-intentioned, sends a problematic message to our students with special needs: “Hold on, we’re not ready for you yet.”

However, here’s the truth: students with IEPs are not disruptions to be managed. They are vital parts of the classroom community from day one.

Why Day One Matters

The first days of school are crucial for all students. It’s when:

• Classroom rules and expectations are established

• Routines are learned

• Relationships begin to form

• Names are memorized

By delaying inclusion, we’re effectively saying that these foundational experiences aren’t as important for students with IEPs. This creates a separation from the very beginning, making true inclusion more challenging down the line.

Inclusion is a Shared Responsibility

It’s important to understand that inclusion isn’t the sole responsibility of special education teachers. When a child enters a school district, they become the responsibility of the entire district. This means:

• General education teachers should prepare to welcome all students from day one, even if a student with an IEP spends only a short period each day in their classroom.

• School leadership needs to ensure that all teachers have the necessary support, training, and resources to facilitate inclusion from the start.

Starting the Conversation

If you’ve already missed the opportunity to plan for day-one inclusion this year, don’t worry. The best time to start this conversation is now. Here are some steps you can take:

• Initiate discussions about what inclusion looks like in your school or district.

• Identify the supports and resources needed to make inclusion successful.

• Plan opportunities throughout the entire school day that include students with IEPs in the school community.

As I teach inside our Master IEP Coach® programs – Inclusion is an experience, not just a place. There’s a whole buffet of opportunities to mix and mingle throughout the day – we’re talking lunchtime laughs, recess adventures, and hallway high-fives galore!

A Call to Action

Listen up, team! No matter your role on the IEP team, you’ve got a starring role in creating inclusion strategies.

So, let’s flip the script on school culture and work together and create schools where every child feels like the VIP they are, from the second they strut through those doors. That’s not just a dream – it’s possible. I’ve been lucky enough to lead many teams through the Master IEP Coach® Mentorship and have seen it with my own eyes.

And always remember, – inclusion isn’t some fancy dessert we save for special occasions. Schools should offer inclusion support to every student from the very first day. Let’s work together to make this a reality in all our schools.

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