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Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a powerful framework that helps early childhood educators create inclusive, accessible, and engaging learning experiences for all children—regardless of background, ability, or learning style. Grounded in research from cognitive neuroscience and educational theory, universal design for learning allows teachers to proactively remove barriers and support every child’s unique path to success.
In today’s diverse classrooms, one-size-fits-all instruction simply isn’t enough. By implementing universal design for learning principles, educators can offer multiple ways for children to access content, stay motivated, and express what they know—setting the foundation for lifelong learning and belonging.
This article explores the core components of UDL, its relevance to early childhood education, and practical strategies for putting it into action in your classroom.
What is Universal Design for Learning (UDL)?
UDL is a framework that the nonprofit education research and development organization Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST) developed to "improve and optimize teaching and learning for all people based on scientific insights into how humans learn." It's based on the principles of Universal Design, where an environment is designed to meet the needs of all people regardless of their ability, disability, age, or size.
The UDL framework encourages teachers to create a more inclusive and transformative learning experience for everyone by removing barriers to successful learning. Through these guidelines and suggestions, teachers can increase accessibility and participation for all learners. While educators and instructors can apply the guidelines to various disciplines, domains, and education levels, they can benefit children and teachers in an early-learning setting.
Early childhood educators can promote values of diversity, equity, and inclusion in their classrooms by considering their children’s differences and unique learning styles and making the necessary accommodations or changes to their lesson plans.
Utilizing the UDL framework in early education centers around the idea of creating an inclusive classroom environment that serves the needs of all children. Similar to the intention of culturally responsive teaching, educators can support all learners by recognizing each child’s distinct culture, interests, needs, and strengths and using that knowledge to inform curriculum. In addition, universal design for learning requires teachers to step back from traditional methods and try a unique approach to teaching.
Why is UDL important in education?
In the classroom, children have a variety of learning styles, strengths, weaknesses, needs, and barriers. For example, some may have a language barrier or a learning disability. Regardless of their differences, it's important to find ways to remove those obstacles to learning and provide them with the instruction and tools needed to be successful. UDL incorporates flexibility and variability into lessons to enable teachers to make the necessary accommodations to their teaching strategies to meet each child's needs.
Because early childhood education programs often have a diverse group of children, it can be challenging for teachers to design curriculums and lesson plans to accommodate everyone. The UDL approach is critical because it equips all children with the tools they need to learn by engaging their interests, curiosity, strengths, and more.
What are the principles of UDL?
The UDL framework uses three principles that can be applied to developing lesson plans and assessments and making inclusion a part of an early childhood education program.
Multiple means of engagement: UDL principle
This is the "why" of learning. Offering children options gives them a sense of autonomy, relevance, and accomplishment while supporting their development. By implementing this principle, teachers can use children's experiences and interests to draw them in and encourage them to take control of what they learn. It also motivates them to participate in activities around the classroom.
Multiple means of representation: UDL principle
In the "what" of learning, teachers focus on customizing how information is displayed and how children consume it. For example, teachers must consider the levels at which children are proficient in reading, vocabulary, and language. Offering alternatives for the visual and auditory consumption of the information helps overcome comprehension barriers and provides children with the support they need for academic development.
Multiple means of action and expression: UDL principle
The "how" of learning is how children interact and respond to the learning material. This principle gives children various ways to interact with the material, express their thoughts, and reflect on new information. For example, giving them options such as drawing a picture or talking about the information to show what they've learned.
New UDL guidelines 3.0: What parents and educators need to know
In July 2024, CAST released UDL Guidelines 3.0, an important update to the universal design for learning framework. These new guidelines place even more focus on equity, inclusion, and learner identity—helping educators and families better support all children, especially those from diverse backgrounds.
What’s new in UDL 3.0?
- A stronger emphasis on belonging and celebrating each child’s unique identity.
- New strategies to reduce bias in classroom materials, language, and activities.
- A shift toward shared learning experiences, where children have more voice and choice in how they learn and show what they know.
For childcare providers and families, UDL 3.0 is a reminder that learning should be flexible, joyful, and responsive. It’s about designing environments where every child feels seen, supported, and empowered—right from the start.
How do teachers use UDL in the classroom?
There are several ways to incorporate UDL into lesson plans and assessments to support diverse learners. For starters, teachers can:
- Post pictures of the goals for each lesson so that children know what they're working toward.
- Give options as to what type of assignment children can complete. For example, they can choose between making a collage or playing a game based on the material they've learned.
- Change the work environment to create various spaces for children to thrive. Flexibility is key to UDL. Some children work well alone, while others do well in groups.
- Consider all the potential roadblocks that children may face in class and find ways to eliminate them. UDL is all about removing the barriers to learning. The goal is to create an inclusive environment.
Creating a Thriving Learning Environment With Proven Classroom Management Strategies
Frequently asked questions: Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
What is universal design for learning?
Universal design for learning (UDL) is a research-based educational framework that helps educators create flexible learning environments where all children can thrive. It’s designed to reduce barriers by offering multiple ways for students to access content, engage in learning, and express what they know.
Why is universal design for learning important in early education?
Early childhood is a critical time for building confidence, curiosity, and foundational skills. Universal design for learning ensures that young children—regardless of background, ability, or learning style—have equal opportunities to participate and succeed. It also helps educators meet the needs of diverse learners without relying on one-size-fits-all instruction.
How can I implement universal design for learning in my classroom?
Start by offering choices in how children engage with materials (like books, music, or play), present information in multiple ways (visuals, stories, hands-on), and encourage children to express themselves using different tools (drawing, storytelling, movement). UDL isn’t about adding more—it’s about planning ahead to include everyone from the start.
Is universal design for learning only for children with disabilities?
No. While UDL is inclusive of children with disabilities, its purpose is to support all learners, including those with different cultural backgrounds, learning preferences, and strengths.
Does UDL work in play-based or child-led classrooms?
Yes! Universal design for learning and play-based learning go hand in hand. Both prioritize student choice, flexibility, and engaging environments that meet children where they are.
Drive inclusion in education with UDL
When building a lesson plan or considering a curriculum, knowing who you're teaching and their differences should be top of mind. The UDL framework allows every child to learn and thrive in the classroom, making it a useful tool for closing achievement gaps and building equity and inclusion in early childhood education. Implementing UDL strategies can open new doors to learning and creating opportunities for success.
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