Promotion of special needs education in early childhood education and care; from special needs education to building inclusive education system

Abstract

In this study, first, we outlined the Special Needs Education (SNE) from the philosophy. Second, we explained recent situation such as institutional improvement concerning SNE and ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Finally, we explain the basic idea of the SNE in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) from so-called three laws, then we discuss the findings obtained from actual practice in ECEC. As a result, the following was clarified. First, SNE in ECEC can be carried out by establishing subjective play and activities of children. Second, Promoting SNE in ECEC is to construct inclusive ECEC system. Finally, that is to be realized by the establishment of subjective play and activities of children providing reasonable accommodation, regardless of child’s disability or not.