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Embedding inclusive practices: practical tools to support children with disability in ECEC settings

Fiona Alston

Jan 23, 2026

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Creating inclusive early learning environments is a foundational element of quality education and care. For early childhood education and care (ECEC) and outside school hours care (OSHC) providers, ensuring the inclusion of children with disability is both a professional obligation and a legislative requirement.

Under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA), services must make reasonable adjustments so that children with disability can access and participate in early learning programs on the same basis as their peers. These obligations are reinforced under the National Quality Framework (NQF), particularly Quality Area 1: Educational program and practice, and Quality Area 6: Collaborative partnerships with families and communities. Inclusive practice is not just about access, it is about genuine participation, belonging, and the recognition of every child as capable and competent.

To support services in embedding inclusive practices and understanding your obligations under the DDA, the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) have available a series of practical infographic posters. These resources provide accessible, visually engaging guidance on what inclusion looks like in day-to-day practice and outline the steps that educators, educational leaders and approved providers can take to support all children to thrive.

The posters encourage services to:

Understand their legal obligations under the DDA
Consider how barriers to participation can be removed or minimised
Take a collaborative approach with families and other professionals
Embed inclusive strategies within the service philosophy, curriculum, and decision-making
Reflect regularly on how inclusive practice is supported and sustained

Designed for use in ECEC and OSHC settings, the posters can be printed and displayed in staff areas to prompt ongoing professional reflection and team discussions. They also serve as a valuable induction tool for new educators and can be used during staff meetings, planning days or professional development sessions to foster a shared understanding of inclusive values and responsibilities.

Inclusive practice is a key indicator of quality under the National Quality Standard (NQS) and reflects a broader commitment to upholding children’s rights under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. When educators and leaders actively promote inclusion, they contribute to a culture where diversity is respected and where every child feels seen, heard and valued.

Importantly, ACECQA’s infographic posters do not offer a one-size-fits-all solution. Rather, they are a starting point for deeper reflection and responsive planning tailored to the unique needs, strengths and aspirations of children and families within each service community.

Leaders are encouraged to use these resources to build educator confidence and capability, and to foster a service culture that embraces inclusion not as an add-on, but as a core principle that shapes every aspect of practice.

To access and download the infographic posters, visit the ACECQA website.

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