By Raquel Francis and Talia James
Systematic Literature Review
Inclusive early childhood education plays an important role in creating learning environments where children of different abilities can learn, develop, and participate together. At the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI), the Inclusive Early Care and Education Center represents an opportunity to support young children and families while advancing inclusive early childhood practices in the Virgin Islands.
UVI launched its Inclusive Childcare Laboratory and Diagnostic Center in 2019 with the goal of developing a model early-education environment that could contribute to the quality of early childhood education throughout the Virgin Islands. The Center was designed around research-based practices and to support areas including early care and education and preservice teacher development.
As part of an evaluation of the Center, Raquel Francis and Talia James conducted a systematic literature review examining best practices for child development programs. The review provides a research-based foundation for considering how inclusive early care and education programs can support children’s development and respond to the needs of children, families, and the communities they serve.
Understanding Best Practices in Early Childhood Development
High-quality child development programs involve more than providing a space for children to learn and play. Effective early childhood environments consider children’s individual strengths and developmental needs while creating meaningful opportunities for participation, interaction, and learning.
The Division for Early Childhood Recommended Practices provide an established framework for supporting young children who have or are at risk for developmental delays or disabilities. These evidence-informed practices address areas including assessment, environment, family, instruction, interaction, teaming and collaboration, transition, and leadership.
For an inclusive program, these practices provide a useful framework for considering how children with different abilities and developmental needs can access and participate meaningfully in learning experiences.
A Focus on Inclusive Early Care and Education
Inclusion is an important component of VIUCEDD’s broader work in early intervention and early childhood development.
Inclusive environments can involve intentional adaptations to physical spaces, materials, routines, activities, and social environments to support children’s access and participation. Recommended practices also emphasize collaboration with families and consideration of individual children’s needs.
The evaluation of UVI’s Inclusive Early Care and Education Center provides an opportunity to consider the Center’s approach alongside these established practices in early childhood development and inclusion.
Connecting Research With Practice
Systematic literature reviews bring together existing research to provide a clearer understanding of the evidence surrounding a particular topic. In the context of early childhood education, this research can help inform discussions about program development, inclusive learning environments, professional preparation, family involvement, and practices that support children’s development.
This connection between research and practice is especially important in inclusive early childhood settings. The DEC Recommended Practices were specifically developed to help bridge that gap by identifying practices supported by available evidence and professional knowledge.
The work conducted by Francis and James therefore provides an opportunity to consider established research within the local context of UVI and the needs of children and families in the Virgin Islands.
Strengthening Early Childhood Practices in the Virgin Islands
Research and evaluation can contribute to stronger local knowledge by helping professionals and community partners identify effective approaches to early childhood education.
UVI originally envisioned its Inclusive Childcare Center not only as a childcare resource but also as a learning environment connected to the School of Education. The University’s stated goals included supporting preservice teacher development and contributing to improvements in early childhood education throughout the Territory.
Evaluating programs such as this against established best practices can help connect university-based research, professional preparation, inclusive education, and the needs of the broader Virgin Islands community.
Looking Ahead
The evaluation of the University of the Virgin Islands’ Inclusive Early Care and Education Center, together with the systematic literature review conducted by Raquel Francis and Talia James, contributes to the continuing conversation around quality, inclusion, and child development in the Virgin Islands.
Connecting research with local programs creates opportunities to better understand effective practices and strengthen the knowledge available to professionals, families, programs, and community partners supporting young children.
Research. Inclusion. Early Development. Stronger Communities.
Recommended Resources
For the bottom of the article, I would include just these three resources:
