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Inclusion and Equity Policy

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Best Practice – Quality Area 1 (and 6)

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Purpose

This policy will provide guidelines to:

• ensure all adults and children at Apex Preschool INC are treated equitably and with respect, regardless of their background, ethnicity, culture, language, beliefs, gender, age, socioeconomic status, level of ability, additional needs, family structure or lifestyle

• promote inclusive practices and ensure the successful participation of all children at
  Apex Preschool INC.

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Policy statement

Values

Apex Preschool INC is committed to:

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• acknowledging and respecting the rights of all children to be provided with and participate in a quality early childhood education and care program

• creating an environment that supports, reflects and promotes equitable and inclusive behaviors and practices

• creating a sense of belonging for all children, families and staff, where diverse identities, backgrounds, experiences, skills and interests are respected, valued and given opportunities to be expressed/developed

• ensuring that programs are reflective of, and responsive to, the values and cultural beliefs of families using the service, and of those within the local community and broader society

• working to ensure children are not discriminated against on the basis of background, ethnicity, culture, language, beliefs, gender, age, socioeconomic status, level of ability or additional needs, family structure or lifestyle

• ensuring that no employee, prospective employee, parent/guardian, child, volunteer or student at the service is discriminated against on the basis of having or being suspected of having an infectious disease or blood-borne virus (BBV – refer to Definitions)

• upholding the values and principles of Early Childhood Australia (ECA) and Early Childhood Intervention Australia’s (ECIA) Position Statement on the Inclusion of Children with a Disability in Early Childhood Education and Care (refer to Sources)

• providing all children with the opportunity to access programs at the service, and recognizing that all families are unique and that children learn in different ways and at different rates

• consistently updating and supporting the knowledge, skills, practices and attitudes of staff to encourage and ensure inclusion and equity

• complying with current legislation including the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006, Equal Opportunity Act 2010, Disability Act 2006 and Racial and Religious Tolerance Act 2001.

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Scope

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This policy applies to the Approved Provider, Nominated Supervisor, Certified Supervisor, educators, staff, students on placement, volunteers, parents/guardians, children and others attending the programs and activities of Apex Preschool INC.

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Background and legislation

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It is intended that all Victorian children have access to a year of kindergarten before school. The Victorian Government requires funded organisations to ensure that their policies and procedures promote equality of opportunity for all children. Criteria for access and inclusion are outlined in the Victorian kindergarten policy, procedures and funding criteria (refer to Sources) and include the requirement that funded organisations comply with existing legislation.

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State and Commonwealth laws prohibit discrimination based on personal characteristics, including race, age, gender, religious belief, disability and parental status. Underpinning the development of this policy are the requirements of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010, Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006, Child Well-being and Safety Act 2005, Disability Discrimination Act 1992, Disability Act 2006, Education and Care Services National Law Act 2010 and Education and Care Services National Regulations 2018.

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“Children enrolling in kindergarten come from a variety of backgrounds and home situations. These circumstances need to be considered when engaging with parents and supporting children in the kindergarten program. Where families are accessing additional support from other services, it is important to ensure that a coordinated, confidential and sensitive approach is undertaken to providing support and strengthening the capacity of the family unit.

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