Barriers to the Accessibility of Childcare Services for Children With Disabilities Aged 0 to 5 Years: Perspectives of Parents and Childcare Staff
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: ABSTRACT According to Article 23 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, children with disabilities are entitled to education, including access to high‐quality childcare services. Despite international and national commitments to inclusion, persistent obstacles continue to limit equitable access to childcare services for children with disabilities. This descriptive qualitative study examines barriers to the accessibility of childcare services for children with disabilities aged 0 to 5 years in Canada. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 21 mothers and 21 childcare staff members. According to participants, key barriers include organisational limitations, lack of training among educators which leads to poor support, negative attitudes toward disability and inclusion, material shortages, and challenges related to the physical environment. Addressing these barriers is essential to fostering inclusive childcare systems that ensure equitable access and support the development and participation of all children.
Source: Children & Society
DOI: 10.1111/chso.70029
Authors: François Routhier, Josiane Lettre, Fidélia Longchamps, Gbetogo Maxime Kiki, Chantal Desmarais, Marie Grandisson, Ernesto Morales, Marie‐Eve Lamontagne, Francine Julien‐Gauthier, W. Ben Mortenson, Debra Field, Jill G. Zwicker, Wenonah Campbell, Michelle Phoenix, Marie‐Claude Belleau, Francine Tellier, Stéfanie Lamothe, Jason Gordon, Keely Edgington, Gabrielle Gagnon, Michelle Goulet, Anne‐Marie Guillot, Bobbi Taylor, Michelle Wan
Institutions: Université Laval, Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de la Capitale-Nationale, Centre interdisciplinaire de recherche en réadaptation et intégration sociale, University of British Columbia, CanChild Centre for Childhood-onset Disability Research, McMaster University
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,620
Funder: Accessibility Standards Canada
Award: G3382803072
OpenAlex ID: W7128733052