A COMMUNITY ASSESSMENT OF PRESCHOOL PROVIDERS ATTITUDES TOWARD INCLUSION

A community assessment of preschool providers' attitudes was conducted to examine readiness for inclusive preschool participation. Participa nts included providers from private, community-based preschools, Head Start classes, and Chapter 1 programs. Multiple dimensions of preschoo l directors' and teachers' attitudes were assessed by examining their general altitudes toward inclusion, their attitudes toward serving chi ldren across diverse handicapping conditions and special needs, their perceived abilities and support needs in appropriately serving such ch ildren, and their actual behavioral choices when given an opportunity to sign up for inclusion-related activities. The findings indicated th at respondents held moderately positive attitudes toward the general c oncept of inclusion. Providers differentiated between different types of special needs and they based decisions on where children should be served, accordingly. Implications for incremental development of inclu sive options are discussed.