In Japan, a national priority is to maintain a continuous support system for persons with disabilities between early childhood and primary education and beyond. Incorporating early childhood intervention (ECI) into its new Comprehensive Support System for Children and Childcare—inclusive ECI requires collaboration among three central government entities: Cabinet, education, and health. This chapter first outlines the history of the current system, its policies, and overall approach to education and services. A brief account of inclusive ECI is followed by a description of current services supporting children with developmental disabilities (birth to 6 years). Early detection of young children with special needs occurs within an established system of national health screening, but prefectures and municipalities differ in the centre-based delivery of integrated services to support persons with disabilities from birth. Profiles are provided for three regional initiatives for young children with developmental disabilities. These examples illustrate diversity in service provision that reflects cultural context and the use of evidence-based practices.

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Inclusive Early Childhood Intervention in Japan: Implementation and Challenges

  • Yoriko Kikkawa,
  • Shigeki Kuboyama,
  • Megumi Wakui,
  • Fiona Bryer

摘要

In Japan, a national priority is to maintain a continuous support system for persons with disabilities between early childhood and primary education and beyond. Incorporating early childhood intervention (ECI) into its new Comprehensive Support System for Children and Childcare—inclusive ECI requires collaboration among three central government entities: Cabinet, education, and health. This chapter first outlines the history of the current system, its policies, and overall approach to education and services. A brief account of inclusive ECI is followed by a description of current services supporting children with developmental disabilities (birth to 6 years). Early detection of young children with special needs occurs within an established system of national health screening, but prefectures and municipalities differ in the centre-based delivery of integrated services to support persons with disabilities from birth. Profiles are provided for three regional initiatives for young children with developmental disabilities. These examples illustrate diversity in service provision that reflects cultural context and the use of evidence-based practices.