Our Story
About Inclusive STEPS
Inclusion Matters by Shane’s Inspiration has been facilitating inclusive social/emotional learning in schools throughout the United States and globally through their education program for over 2 decades. Together, We Are Able:
Read more about the program here:
inclusionmatters.org/education-program
Since its inception in 2003, the program has served 60,000 students in 250+ schools. The program has been replicated nationally and as far away as Ecuador. It was developed into a teacher’s guide and training video that has reached 67 countries. In 2023, thanks to a grant from the US Embassy & Consulate in Ecuador, it was developed into an online teacher training program that was implemented at 4 national universities, reaching 1,900+ university students and professors. The Inclusion Matters team has trained more than 8,000 teachers, parents, university students, and professionals in best practices in social inclusion.
Inclusive STEPS began in 2024 as a way to bring this depth of knowledge into the early childhood setting to help educators meet a growing need for inclusive practices in pre-school classrooms. They assembled an Early Childhood Advisory Board, which guided the training program content and piloted it last year. Today, Inclusive STEPS serves educators, paraeducators, and university students across the nation.
To learn more about Inclusive STEPS Click here:
earlychildhood.inclusionmatters.org
Course Participant Comments:
“I think I was close minded to how many things I could do to include everyone. I didn’t realize there are so many strategies that are available to help include everyone.” – Paige, early childhood educator.
“I have always valued all students regardless of their abilities. I previously thought special treatment for those with disabilities was the correct approach, however, I now am aware the most beneficial thing is to include them with the other students and adapt to allow them to all coexist, as every student involved will benefit from these interactions.” – Sadie, early childhood educator.
“Inclusive STEPS showed me that there are really so many ways in which we can allow everyone to get along together. I feel inclusion hasn’t been implemented much in my life and by learning so much, I can see how just implementing so many things in a daily life cycle can change so much and inspire such a proactive environment that can make everyone get together and make everyone aware of the kinds of people out there and that we all need to help each other to get along together so no one feels left out.” – Andrew, university student.
“My feelings and perceptions about inclusion have changed a lot throughout the length of this course. I have learned that there are many different ways that you can include all of your students into play without having to single anyone out.” – Maddi, early childhood educator.