Young children come to us with all kinds of shapes, sizes, and abilities. As caregivers, our role is to meet them where they are and create an inclusive and accessible environment to support the development of all children. When we consider educational settings, we have broadened our understanding to include diverse individuals who sometimes require specialized instruction to meet their needs. One main foundation is the concept of universal design which informs our practice as we design an environment that can meet the needs of all the children in our care. Universal Design requires teachers and caregivers to organize a high-quality environment that can be accessed, understood, and utilized for all learners. This includes the way we engage students, present information, and allow students to demonstrate their learning and skills. For this article we will look specifically at art activities and how they can be adapted to include all children and help provide additional support in specific areas where it might be needed.

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