9 Surprising Benefits of Inclusion in Early Childhood Development (ECD)
Inclusion in Early Childhood Development (ECD) is more than just a classroom policy—it is a movement toward equity, belonging, and holistic growth for all children.
From segregation (special schools separated from mainstream education) to integration (placing children with disabilities in mainstream classrooms without curriculum adaptation) to inclusion (providing children with disabilities equal rights to learn with peers through Individual Education Plans), the journey has been long. Yet, in countries like Nepal, inclusion is still rare in ECD centers due to lack of awareness, teacher training, and supportive policies.
Through my interviews with parents, teachers, experts, and school management, one truth became clear: Inclusion in ECD benefits not only children with disabilities but all children.
Here are 9 surprising benefits of inclusion in ECD, supported by real case studies and voices from the field.
1. Real-Life Experience in Diversity
Inclusive classrooms expose children to peers from diverse backgrounds and abilities, helping them adapt to society early.
- Case in Nepal: Surya Bahadur Prajapati from Bhaktapur CBR emphasized: “When we have to live in society, we must not segregate a child. Integrating them in mainstream schools helps them adapt well.”
2. Language and Communication Skills
Daily peer interactions expand vocabulary, improve clarity in speech, and boost listening skills for both children with and without disabilities.
- Observation: A child with down syndrome in an inclusive ECD setting showed clearer speech and reduced drooling after months of natural peer modelling.
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3. Social Skills and Positive Behaviour
Children learn to respect, share, and cooperate. Those with disabilities often model behaviours of their peers, improving emotional balance.
- Teacher’s voice: Anita Adhikari, ECD teacher at Advanced Academy, reported: “Initially, children hesitated to mix. After four months, they became friendly, happy, and improved their understanding levels.”
4. Positive Attitude Development
Inclusion fosters belonging. When all children participate equally, they learn empathy, acceptance, and positive regard for one another.
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5. Respect for Diversity and Differences
Children naturally begin to value each other’s strengths, regardless of physical or cultural differences. Early friendships teach respect and reduce stigma.
- Parent’s voice: Sangita Karki shared how her daughter with cerebral palsy became more confident, steady in movement, and clearer in speech after joining an inclusive class.
6. Boost in Self-Esteem and Confidence
Children gain confidence when they are treated as capable and valued members of their classroom community.
- In inclusive ECD settings, children with disabilities are encouraged to attempt self-help skills—feeding, dressing, or writing—boosting independence and pride.
7. Self-Help Skills and Independence
Unlike segregated environments, inclusive classrooms do not give special treatment. Children naturally learn to be independent—putting on shoes, feeding themselves, and taking responsibility for tasks.
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8. Reduced Anxiety for Parents
Parents often worry if their child will ever be independent. Inclusion reduces this fear, as children show progress in friendships, communication, and daily living skills.
- One mother reflected: “I see my daughter coming home happier, making friends, and even trying to read by herself. My worries are less now.”
9. Professional Growth for Teachers
Inclusion challenges teachers to be creative and adaptive. They begin to use Universal Design for Learning (UDL), differentiated strategies, and play-based teaching that benefit every child.
- Teacher reflection: “Inclusion has given us the opportunity to question our teaching. We are becoming more innovative, finding creative ways to engage every child.”
Conclusion
Despite cultural stigma, lack of awareness, and limited teacher training, the evidence is clear: Inclusion in ECD is not only possible but essential. It nurtures empathy, independence, and resilience in children, strengthens family engagement, and pushes teachers to grow professionally.
If Nepal and other developing countries truly want to meet their commitments to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, inclusion must start from the earliest years.
Let us move beyond pity and stereotypes, and instead build classrooms where every child belongs, learns, and thrives.
Well written evidence based blog. All school leaders need to read this
Indeed!
Yes, you are absolutely right. All school leaders need to read so that they might not hesitate to enrol students with disabilities in their schools.
It’s truly a game changer thank you for your initiative regarding this issue.
Inclusion in early childhood is about creating a place where every child feels they belong. It’s about seeing the humanity in each child and giving them the chance to learn and play together. When children with and without disabilities share a classroom, they learn to be kind, accepting, and empathetic. Parents feel less anxious as they see their child making friends and growing in confidence. Teachers are inspired to be more creative and compassionate. Ultimately, inclusion is a way of building a society where everyone is valued, starting from the earliest age.
Inclusive ECD approach is essential in every ECD centers, but lack of awareness and skill for parents and teacher most of the children with disabilities are deprive from lifskill learning and holistic development.
It’s really helpful.Thank you so much di for sharing.
Really appreciate .
Excellent work.
It helps inclusive Education.
Great work!
Very worthy article.
Salute to the writer..
Excellent!
It helps us us.
Thank you.
Excellent work. Really helped us thank you !
It was such an informative piece. I thoroughly enjoyed reading and felt informative about this topic
Wow!Maam.Each and every topic is so effective for teachers as well as parents.it really guide for all of us.
Wow!ma’am.it is so important for all the teachers and parents.
Very well said. Such initiatives will definitely help disable children and also teachers to be more innovative. But I would like to add that if education ministry provide some enforcement or provide reward to the schools, which conduct such inclusive programs will better for execution.
Investing in Early Childhood Development (ECD) indeed lays the foundation for a brighter, more promising future. By prioritizing ECD, we can empower children to reach their full potential, foster a love for learning, and build a stronger, more compassionate society.
Investing in ECD is investing in our future!
Ditto !