Universal Strategies and Targeted Supports: One Inclusive Plan in Early Childhood Classrooms

The current Director of Website and Social Media at the ECRCNO hosts an episode of The Resource Table: Early Childhood Conversations Across Ontario (ECRCNO) on how universal strategies and targeted supports connect in inclusive classrooms, arguing that multiple individual program plans often reflect one cohesive approach. She defines universal strategies as routines and environmental supports designed for all children (e.g., predictable routines, visual supports, modeling language, offering choices, accessible materials) and targeted supports as the intentional, focused use of those same strategies for specific child goals.

Reflective Questions for Educators

•  What universal strategies are already in place that could be named and strengthened?
• How are targeted supports being introduced?
• Do they feel like extra work or a focused use of what's already happening?
• Where do you help educators see patterns across multiple plans?
• How might the shift in thinking change the way you approach conversations, coaching, or collaboration?

00:00 Big Inclusion Questions

01:08 Meet Tracy Sherriff

02:21 Universal Versus Targeted

04:10 Four Coaching Strategies

04:48 Strategy One Name Wins

05:36 Strategy Two Focused Use

06:15 Strategy Three Connect Plans

07:13 Strategy Four Participation

08:02 Key Takeaways Reflect

10:05 Wrap Up And Invitation