Teaching and Learning in an Inclusive Preschool Environment in Nigeria

Abstract

One of the key Importance of basic education as stated by the Universal Basic Education (UBE) Programme of the Federal Government of Nigeria is regular primary education and literacy education, where attention is focused on special needs education, mostly in the area of basic education for the nomadic groups and the girl-child. Little or no special consideration is given to the education of children with disabilities, especially children in their early years (preschoolers). This study, therefore, examined teaching and learning in an inclusive preschool environment in Nigeria, discussing inclusion in preschool/early childhood education, features of inclusion in high-quality early childcare services and useful strategies for inclusion in preschool classrooms. The study recommended that early childhood educators should develop positive attitudes towards inclusion in preschools, preschools in Nigeria should adopt inclusion and the government should organize in-service training for preschool teachers on inclusion among other things.