Your Children, My Children. Why Not Our Children?: Dilemmas in Early Childhood Teacher Education

Abstract

This article addresses a question that is of key importance in preparing early childhood personnel, especially those in inclusive environments: “How do we teach in ways that we want our students to teach?” There is an emphasis on developing a “community of practice” where professionals can share their work-related concerns and passion while learning from the teaching process. Such a collaborative approach among the interrelated fields of child development and early childhood special education is critical in addressing dilemmas stemming from societal beliefs around child development and the complex role of education in children's lives. This, in turn, is expected to facilitate innovative thinking among future educators about creating inclusive programs for all children.