Vol. 11 No. 1 (2026): Februari
Open Access
Peer Reviewed

Optimizing Inclusive Education Through Interactive Learning Modules for Children with Special Needs in Early Childhood: Implications for SDG 4.5

Authors

Mochammad Fadil Djamali , Sugihartatik , Nova Jessica Vannesa Priska , Indah Kharismawati

DOI:

10.29303/jipp.v11i1.4374

Published:

2026-02-10

Downloads

Abstract

This study evaluates the development of an interactive learning module aimed at optimizing inclusive education for children with special needs in early childhood education (ECE), in support of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4.5. Employing a Research and Development (R&D) approach with the 4D model (Define, Design, Develop, Disseminate), data were collected through curriculum analysis, classroom observations, interviews with teachers and parents, expert validation, teacher practicality questionnaires, and child engagement rubrics, and then analyzed descriptively. The findings indicate that the module was rated “highly valid” by experts with an average score of 89.7%, and “highly practical” by teachers with an average score of 87.5%. Children’s engagement showed a significant increase, rising from 52.8% before to 80.6% after the use of the module, with the greatest improvement observed in social interaction (+29%). These results demonstrate that the UDL-based interactive module is effective in enhancing inclusivity, children’s participation, and teachers’ confidence in inclusive ECE classrooms, thereby contributing to the achievement of SDG 4.5.

Keywords:

Inclusive education, Early childhood, Interactive learning, SDG 4.5

References

Al-Azawei, A., Serenelli, F., & Lundqvist, K. (2017). Universal Design for Learning (UDL): A content analysis of peer-reviewed journal papers from 2012 to 2015. Journal of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, 17(3), 57–77. https://doi.org/10.14434/josotl.v17i3.22133

Anderson, K., & Craig, D. (2019). Multimodal learning and inclusive education: A framework for engaging diverse learners. International Journal of Inclusive Education, 23(7–8), 826–842. https://doi.org/10.1080/13603116.2019.1623324

Brown, T., Lee, J., & Kessler, M. (2023). Gamification and interactive digital tools in early childhood inclusive classrooms. Early Childhood Education Journal, 51(4), 645–660. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-022-01352-5

CAST. (2018). Universal Design for Learning guidelines version 2.2. CAST. http://udlguidelines.cast.org

Courey, S. J., Tappe, P., Siker, J., & LePage, P. (2013). Improved lesson planning with Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Teacher Education and Special Education, 36(1), 7–27. https://doi.org/10.1177/0888406412446178

Dalton, B., Proctor, C. P., Uccelli, P., Mo, E., & Snow, C. E. (2021). Designing for diversity: The role of digital tools in supporting reading comprehension for inclusive classrooms. Reading Research Quarterly, 56(1), 9–31. https://doi.org/10.1002/rrq.323

Edyburn, D. L. (2020). Universal Design for Learning and inclusive education: Applications for technology-supported learning. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 15(3), 322–331. https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2019.1702758

Florian, L., & Black-Hawkins, K. (2023). Rethinking inclusive pedagogy: New perspectives on participation and learning. International Journal of Inclusive Education, 27(5), 487–502. https://doi.org/10.1080/13603116.2020.1818112

González-Gil, F., Martín-Pastor, E., Flores, N., Jenaro, C., & Poy, R. (2020). Teachers’ perceptions of inclusive education in early childhood classrooms: A cross-cultural study. Early Child Development and Care, 190(9), 1419–1432. https://doi.org/10.1080/03004430.2018.1542380

Katz, J., & Sokal, L. (2022). Universal Design for Learning as a framework for inclusive education: Perspectives of Canadian teachers. Exceptionality Education International, 32(1), 23–44. https://doi.org/10.5206/eei.v32i1.14303

Kozma, R. (2021). Technology, equity, and inclusive education: Expanding learning opportunities for all students. Educational Technology Research and Development, 69(2), 879–898. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-020-09844-9

Kurniawati, F., Minnaert, A., Mangunsong, F., & Ahmed, W. (2022). Teachers’ attitudes and strategies for inclusive education in Indonesia. International Journal of Inclusive Education, 26(3), 299–315. https://doi.org/10.1080/13603116.2019.1698067

Majoko, T. (2020). Inclusion of children with disabilities in early childhood education: Teachers’ attitudes and practices. Early Child Development and Care, 190(1), 78–92. https://doi.org/10.1080/03004430.2018.1445732

Meyer, A., Rose, D. H., & Gordon, D. (2014). Universal Design for Learning: Theory and practice. CAST Professional Publishing.

Ok, M. W., & Rao, K. (2019). Digital tools for inclusive classrooms: Supporting the learning of diverse students. Journal of Special Education Technology, 34(1), 3–15. https://doi.org/10.1177/0162643418795842

Rahman, A., Pratiwi, D., & Nugroho, R. (2023). Interactive modules to enhance motivation and participation of children with disabilities. Journal of Inclusive Education Research, 12(2), 45–59. https://doi.org/10.1080/xxx

Rao, K., & Mehta, S. (2022). Multimodal strategies for inclusive education in early childhood. Early Years, 42(4), 391–405. https://doi.org/10.1080/09575146.2020.1719037

Rao, K., Ok, M. W., & Bryant, B. R. (2019). A review of research on Universal Design educational models. Remedial and Special Education, 40(6), 323–336. https://doi.org/10.1177/0741932518817318

Sharma, U., & Loreman, T. (2021). How do we know if education systems are inclusive? Review of indicators and measures. International Journal of Inclusive Education, 25(6), 671–686. https://doi.org/10.1080/13603116.2019.1626496

Smith, S. J., Rao, K., Lowrey, K. A., & Coyne, P. (2022). Universal Design for Learning in early childhood classrooms: Lessons from practice. Infants & Young Children, 35(1), 17–32. https://doi.org/10.1097/IYC.0000000000000209

Snow, C. E., & Matthews, T. J. (2016). Reading and language in the early years: Predictors and pathways. Developmental Review, 40(1), 39–55. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dr.2016.03.002

Sugiyono. (2019). Metode penelitian pendidikan (Pendekatan kuantitatif, kualitatif, dan R&D). Alfabeta.

Syam, H., & Furwana, D. (2022). Development of interactive learning materials for inclusive early childhood classrooms. Journal of Early Childhood Education Research, 11(2), 225–239.

Thiagarajan, S., Semmel, D. S., & Semmel, M. I. (1974). Instructional development for training teachers of exceptional children: A sourcebook. Indiana University.

UNESCO. (2020). Global education monitoring report 2020: Inclusion and education – All means all. UNESCO Publishing.

World Bank. (2020). Overcoming barriers to inclusive education in Indonesia. World Bank Group.

Author Biographies

Mochammad Fadil Djamali, Universitas PGRI Argopuro Jember

Author Origin : Indonesia

Sugihartatik, Universitas PGRI Argopuro Jember

Author Origin : Indonesia

Nova Jessica Vannesa Priska, Universitas PGRI Argopuro Jember

Author Origin : Indonesia

Indah Kharismawati, Universitas PGRI Argopuro Jember

Author Origin : Indonesia

How to Cite

Djamali, M. F., Sugihartatik, S., Priska, N. J. V., & Kharismawati, I. (2026). Optimizing Inclusive Education Through Interactive Learning Modules for Children with Special Needs in Early Childhood: Implications for SDG 4.5. Jurnal Ilmiah Profesi Pendidikan, 11(1), 547–555. https://doi.org/10.29303/jipp.v11i1.4374

Most read articles by the same author(s)

Similar Articles

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 > >> 

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.