Preschool Teachers' Attitudes about Inclusive Education and Its Influencing Factors in China.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to describe the current status of preschool teachers' attitudes about inclusive education and discuss the factors that influence these attitudes.

METHODS

A total of 449 preschool teachers who have students with disabilities or special educational needs in their classrooms and 638 teachers without students with disabilities or special educational needs in their classrooms volunteered to complete the online survey. The survey included two components: a Basic Information Questionnaire and the Early Childhood Inclusive Education Attitude Questionnaire (ECIEAQ). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, -tests, and ANOVA.

RESULTS

Scores in the two dimensions of Positivity and Promotion were higher than those in the two dimensions of Resistance and Passivity, indicating an overall positive attitude about inclusive education. Attitudes about inclusive education significantly differed by gender, preschool location, inclusive education training opportunities, and receipt of a special education financial allowance. Inclusive class teachers who are female, aged over 30, teach classes with a child-to-teacher ratio of more than 14, and who work in urban areas show higher levels of Promotion or Resistance than general class teachers.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, preschool teachers hold a positive attitude about inclusive education. Training opportunities and a special education financial allowance should be provided to foster positive attitudes. Certain groups of inclusive class teachers may need more support and resources to implement inclusive education.