Inclusion and co-teaching has many challenges.  The largest benefit is the empathy that is built between students and staff in understanding of a variety of strengths and weaknesses outweigh many of the challenges. 

It is important for teachers from different disciplines to have time to plan, develop relationships, and define roles.  As well as setting up spaces in the room that communicate the collaborative nature of the classroom.  Students seeing teachers model was is looks like to be part of a team is a valuable 21st century skill, and behavioral expectation.   Having students with and without disabilities learn together help student and staff to have a better understanding of differences, and create life-long social relationships that can impact a student quality of life.  Students are our best teachers.

We have started to develop these relationships and schedules to build empathy in early education.  Continuing to find and share what works and doesn't are an ongoing tasks.  But celebrating the achievements and finding what success looks like is important for all to continue learn and grow.