Equity and inclusion through STEAM play in early childhood education: Culturally valued play-based practices

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) learning in early childhood education and care (ECEC) has been receiving constant attention and support over the years. Additionally, merging ‘Arts’ with STEM to make STEAM has become a popular trend in promoting both creativity and hands-on learning experiences for all children in ECEC. Since early childhood professionals have to implement inclusive education and provide equitable educational opportunities to all children, developing supportive learning environment to ensure active engagement of every child is necessary. However, a very little is known how educators can promote STEAM learning for all children. This chapter describes how educators can create STEAM learning opportunities for all children including those with diversities as part of culturally valued play-based experiences. It presents the 4P phases model, the triple ‘A’ framework for full inclusion and a pedagogical strategy model to address how teachers can create a condition of culturally valued STEAM-based play activity involving diverse children. The chapter argues that teachers’ intentionality and positioning are central in creating inclusive pedagogy through play for STEAM learning for all children.