Learning Outcomes

Inclusive education practice involves collaboration and coordination of services and professionals to ensure that all children are recognized, valued and cared for in early childhood education and care settings. Several models of collaboration have been identified in the literature, including multidisciplinary teams, interdisciplinary teams, and transdisciplinary teams (Bell et. al, 2009). Multidisciplinary teams work in parallel, often with little to no interaction between services. Interdisciplinary teams are characterized by cooperation and discussion, but goal planning and interventions are in isolation. Transdisciplinary teams have multiple professionals collaborating from the beginning, integrating plans and setting goals. Each of these models may be appropriate depending on the situation. In each case, children and families should be recognized as part of the team.

The aims of these activities are to:

1. Recognize different team models in practice

2. Understand the breadth of interactions that a child and family may have across agencies and institutions

References

Bell, A., Corfield, M., Davies, J., & Richardson, N. (2009). Collaborative transdisciplinary intervention in early years – putting theory into practice. Child: Care, health and development, 36(1), 142-148.

Additional Resources

Read: (PDF) Exploring Interprofessional Collaboration and Ethical Leadership - College of Early Childhood Educators

Page updated June 2026.