Embracing Disability in Early Childhood Services

Jenny Nechvatal is an Early Childhood teacher; holding a Bachelor of Early Childhood from Macquarie University. Jenny combines over 30 years of experience in the Early Childhood sector with 21 years of lived experience parenting two children living with a disability to write a book for early childhood educators.The author of Embracing Disability in Early Childhood Services explores the personal impact of receiving a disability diagnosis for her children and outlines the impacts this situation may have on individuals and families. Increasing educators' awareness of families' experiences and the impact this may have on their interaction with an early childhood service. The stages of diagnosis and grief experienced are outlined from Jenny's and other parents' recounts. Common fears and concerns that families may have when their child accesses an early childhood service are outlined. Understanding these stages and fears can assist educators to better support families.Utilising early childhood knowledge, experience and leadership skills developed in various roles results in a book that outlines how to engage in hard conversations, to ensure a positive result. This includes how to prepare and considerations for these conversations to establish open communication, creating a supportive environment. The book outlines and discusses parent and educator expectations, raising awareness of and the opportunity to meet each other's expectations. This includes the discussion of strategies, ideas, and navigation of the NDIS to support a child living with a disability at your service ensuring your practice is inclusive and empowering for the child to ensure their engagement in the program. Leaders within an early childhood service can learn how to support themselves and their team during the diagnosis process and during the child's time at the service. An opportunity to explore individual and team pedagogy provides another perspective for educators to incorporate into daily practice.Professional, lived experience and a passion for improving outcomes for children with a disability and their families led Jenny to write this book. The recommendations and solutions are aimed at increasing early childhood educators' knowledge and upskilling them to better support children living with a disability and their families.