Article
Beyond policies: advancing inclusive early childhood in Brazil
In Brazil, 91% of children with disabilities are enrolled in schools. However, many teachers lack the proper knowledge and skills to help them learn leaving many of these children excluded from their education.
In Brazil, 91% of children with disabilities are enrolled in schools. However, many teachers lack the proper knowledge and skills to help them learn leaving many of these children excluded from their education. To support the inclusion of children with disabilities since the early years, Ana Lucia Rago, Perkins Representative for Brazil was invited to present at a webinar hosted by ECDAN, the Early Childhood and Development Action Network.
Ana Lucia was a featured speaker alongside Chiara Servili from the World Health Organization (WHO), Donald Wertlieb from the Partnership for Early Childhood Development & Disability Rights (PECDDR), and representatives from the Governments of Egypt and Sri Lanka. The event was organized with the primary focus of addressing both the needs and the rights of young children with developmental disabilities in policy and practice. Ana Lucia discussed how Perkins is integrating early childhood development into policies and service delivery across the country.
Public policies and practical knowledge play a critical role. During her remarks, Ana Lucia highlighted Brazil’s Law of Inclusion, which ensures that every child receives regular education and necessary support.
In my experience working with early childhood centers I see that, in addition to public policies, service providers, families and caregivers need practical knowledge and skills to address the needs of children with disabilities.”
Through training, mentoring, and collaborating with local governments, Perkins supports teachers, families, and caregivers to serve children with disabilities. She suggested that practical support, including training and mentoring, is essential for implementing effective policies and allowing inclusive education for all children. Effective inclusion can include coordinating between education and health services, as well as keeping families and community members involved in the process.
Recommendations for governments to improve service delivery
During her presentation, Ana Lucia encouraged governments to actively engage with civil society, leveraging diverse skills and knowledge to effectively implement public policies. In Brazil, access to qualified teachers and practitioners particularly for resource classrooms, is critical to better support children with disabilities and their families.
She calls governments to invest in developing qualified teachers and practitioners to improve the quality of early childhood education. She emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the wellbeing of young children and their families in creating and maintaining inclusive, accessible, and welcoming environments for all children.
Concluding her presentation, Ana Lucia captures the essence of Perkins’ work with a quote from alum Helen Keller, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” With support from dedicated educators like Ana Lucia, Perkins drives impact for children with disabilities across the globe.
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