BEYOND MICROSYSTEMS - UNANTICIPATED LESSONS ABOUT THE MEANING OF INCLUSION

Despite the increasing prevalence of inclusive early education program s, little is known about the organizational configurations and context s of these programs, or the ways in which they are viewed by those who develop and use them. This article describes several lessons learned from a qualitative study of inclusive preschool programs. The lessons focus on the meanings of inclusion as it relates to the organizational and social contexts experienced and perceived by families, educators, and administrators. Implications for the field are discussed with reg ard to ideology and policy enactment, developmental appropriateness of organizations and curricula, and the configuration of programs and se rvices.