Working Together: Growing Inclusive Practice Together

What happens when educators come together with a shared belief that every child deserves to belong?

At Little Olive Tree Ghim Moh, we recently welcomed educators from Farrer Park Primary School (MOE Kindergarten) for a professional learning journey centred on inclusive education.

It was not just about sharing what we do. It was about working together, exchanging ideas and seeing inclusion from different perspectives. This is also why we value opportunities for our own educators to visit one another's preschools and learn from what happens in different classrooms.

We explored how small, intentional choices can make a difference in children's everyday experiences. From the way learning spaces are designed to how educators interact with children and adapt learning experiences to different needs.

Making Space for Every Learner

Inclusive learning begins with noticing that every child is different.

Some children may need more time. Others may benefit from different ways of participating, communicating or showing what they know.

We reflected on how differentiated teaching, peer inclusion and responsive interactions can help create learning experiences where children feel supported and confident to participate.

We also shared how our Educational Support Teacher (EST) works alongside classroom educators, allowing us to think together about how best to support children's learning and participation.

This commitment to inclusion is also reflected in our ongoing professional learning, including recent UDL training that brought educators together to deepen our understanding of inclusive practice.

Learning From One Another

A meaningful professional learning experience is not about having all the answers.

"Sometimes, it is about asking better questions."

Our conversations around Universal Design for Learning (UDL) encouraged us to think about how we can anticipate learner differences when planning experiences, rather than waiting for barriers to appear. We recently explored this further when Little Olive Tree Ang Mo Kio welcomed a professional attachment focused on how UDL comes to life in everyday classroom practice.

Most importantly, we were reminded that inclusion grows through partnership and reflection.

When We Work Together, Children Benefit

Our visit with Farrer Park Primary School reminded us that education is a shared journey.

When educators across settings come together, we have opportunities to learn from one another, challenge our thinking and bring new ideas back into our own practice.

We are grateful for the warm exchange and the opportunity to learn alongside our fellow educators.

"Because when we work together, we create more possibilities for every child to learn, participate and belong."

A Final Thought

"Inclusion is not something we do alone."

It grows when educators listen, learn and work together, while building strong partnerships with families who know their children best. Always keeping the child at the heart of the conversation.

And sometimes, the most meaningful learning begins with simply asking:

“What could we do better, together?”

FAQs

What is inclusive education in early childhood? Inclusive education creates opportunities for children with different strengths and needs to participate meaningfully in learning and feel a sense of belonging.

What is Universal Design for Learning (UDL)? UDL is an approach to designing learning experiences with learner differences in mind, providing flexible ways for children to engage, access information and express their learning.

Why is educator collaboration important? Working together allows educators to share observations, perspectives and strategies, helping create more responsive learning experiences for children.

How does Little Olive Tree support inclusion? Inclusive practice can be seen through intentional environment design, responsive interactions, differentiated teaching, peer inclusion and collaboration between classroom educators and the EST.

Why connect preschool and primary educators? Sharing perspectives across educational settings can help educators better understand children's learning journeys and strengthen continuity in how children are supported.