Validation of the Inclusion Scale: Early Childhood Educators' Perceptions and Attitudes Toward Inclusion in South Korea

Abstract

Despite the importance of inclusion in education, studies that clearly define and operationalize the concept of early childhood inclusive education in South Korea remain scarce. In this study, we aimed to translate and validate a comprehensive measurement scale to assess Korean early childhood teachers' attitudes and perceptions regarding inclusion. We analyzed data from a group of 224 respondents from 82 daycare centers in South Korea and tested the inclusion scale's internal consistency, subscale reliability, and content and construct validity. The exploratory factor analysis identified four factors with varying number of items in each factor. Researchers could use this instrument to better understand Korean teachers' beliefs about themselves with respect to inclusive education. Implications for research include the utility of the survey instrument with Korean early childhood teachers. © 2024 Lippincott Williams and Wilkins. All rights reserved.