Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to assess the practices of inclusive education in three selected pre primary (O-class programs) attached to government primary schools in Dire Dawa City
Administration, as well as the challenges that hinder the practice of inclusive education at selected
schools. Three government pre-primary schools were selected because inclusive education takes
place in those selected schools. A qualitative research method was employed. Purposeful sampling
method was used to select all the respondents for the study. Six parents of children with special
educational needs, three primary school principals, five special needs education teachers, one
regular teacher, and one special needs education expert made up the total of sixteen respondents
who participated in the study because of they have rich experiences to inform the research
questions and enhance understanding of the phenomenon under study. The data collection tools
were focus group discussions, semi-structured interviews, document review and observation. The
data gathered were transcribed, analyzed, described and summarized. The study's findings
revealed that all pre-primary schools have the necessary facilities for inclusive education
practices, including clean water supplies, wide entrance and exit gates, classrooms with functional
ramps, and facilities for students with disabilities, including wheelchairs, abacuses, white canes,
tape recorders, slates, and styles; well-equipped resource centers with learning materials feeding
programs, uniforms, exercise books, pens, and bags. The majority of participants had positive
perception towards inclusive education. The low-income families and children with special needs
had participated equally in pre-primary schools despite challenges such a shortage of special
needs teachers, insufficient play areas, and inappropriate toilets. For inclusive education to be
successful there must be cooperation between the city administration education bureau, principals,
teachers, families, and different organization
