A position piece- The 'business' of disability: Tensions, responsibilities and challenges in a market model of early childhood education and care.

Abstract

This article argues that the inherent tensions between the purpose of a market model and the purpose of education and care in early childhood services are of critical influence in the inclusion of infants, toddlers and young children with disability in early childhood education and care (ECEC) centres. Several questions emerge: To what extent are ‘market driven’ ECEC centres willing or able to place the education and care of children with disabilities ahead of the economic goals of a business? There are questions about the viability of Aotearoa New Zealand’s Human Rights legislation in the face of economic imperatives and competing policy initiatives. In addition, it is suggested that fiscal retrenchment in the sector will have implications for children with disabilities and their families. The challenges and responsibilities of owners and teachers in a market model of ECEC are considered with regard to juxtaposed economic and social goals in the early childhood sector. Drawing on a highly respected field of inquiry into the rights of children in Aotearoa New Zealand, this article gives reasons for further research into the ways in which the rights of children with disabilities are being supported or thwarted in the current ‘market-place’ of ECEC.