Support includes training, personnel, materials, planning time, and ongoing consultation. It can be delivered in different ways, and each person involved in inclusion may have unique needs. In Jimmy's program, the child care director provided administrative support, in terms of encouragement and approval, to Jimmy's teacher during the early stressful periods after he was enrolled. The itinerant teacher provided support for the classroom teacher through regular weekly meetings, offering advice, and demonstrating ways to work with Jimmy in the classroom. The assistant teacher helped directly in the classroom during the busiest times of the days, either directly with Jimmy or by taking on activities that would free the classroom teacher to work with him.
Inclusion can benefit children with and without disabilities.
In inclusive programs, children with special needs learn skills that help them become successful and independent. Parents of typically developing children often report beneficial changes in their children's confidence, self-esteem, and understanding of diversity. High quality early childhood practices form the necessary foundation for high quality inclusive programs, thus all children benefit. Peers learned ways to help Jimmy to become successful in the classroom activities. Child care directors and staff have critical impact on the successful participation of children with special needs in early childhood programs.