Early Childhood Intervention in Spain

Improving early childhood intervention in Spain has been a concern and commitment on the part of professionals, families and the government in the last decades that have been reflected in changes in conceptual aspects, policies, practices and research. Our aim is, first, provide a general overview of these changes with particular reference to inclusion education in the early years (0–6). Next, we discuss current policies and practices in the field of inclusion, as well as the needs in both the initial training of the various professionals working in this field and in-service training. Third, we analyze the state of research and evaluation of early childhood services and inclusion. Fourth, we examine the challenges of inclusion in ECI to ensure that all children, without exception, are welcomed in preschools and can develop their full potential alongside their peers. Finally, we specify the steps that, in our view, would contribute to the improvement and strengthening of early childhood inclusion in Spain.