Inclusion means everyone! Five resources for supporting young children with disabilities.
Each child is unique, and adapting strategies to individual needs is essential. Use these resources to create inclusive and supportive programs where all children thrive!
1. Positive, Proactive Approaches to Supporting Children with Disabilities: A Guide for Stakeholders
- Download this Positive, Proactive Approaches Guide to read about evidence-based practices that can help educators, schools, and families meet IDEA requirements and improve outcomes for children with disabilities. It emphasizes strengthening relationships, embedding supportive practices, and ensuring that services and supports match children’s needs.
2. Policy Statement on the Inclusion of Young Children with Disabilities in Early Childhood Programs
- Set aside time to read the recently updated policy statement with practical insight for educators working with children from birth to age eight on various topics for supporting children with disabilities.
- Read this position statement from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the Division of Early Childhood (DEC) to unpack the defining features of inclusion- access, participation, and supports.
3. Building Blocks for Teaching Preschoolers with Special Needs
- Read about the Building Blocks framework and check out this infographic for a list of curriculum modifications to maximize children’s engagement and participation.
- Use these 15-minute in-service suites to equip your team with essential knowledge to use highly individualized teaching strategies.
4. Circle Time Magazine: Inclusion Edition
- Grab a colleague and watch season three: Inclusion Edition to learn how your program can get ready for children through the planning process.
- Read this article from NAEYC to learn how small adjustments can make a big difference when welcoming a child with a disability. Remember to use this infographic to promote partnering with families in their child’s inclusive education.
5. Additional Resources
- VA-LEADS: Visit this website for essential resources to connect, support, and empower local leaders to build capacity and provide high-quality programs and services throughout the Commonwealth for young children, ages 2-5 years, with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
- Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (ECTA): Explore their website for policy and data guidance and practice improvement toolkits to build responsive systems.
- National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations (NCPMI): Access implementation resources on social-emotional development and behavior support.
Division of Early Childhood (DEC): Visit their website for evidence-based practices, webinars, and research on early childhood education special education.
After exploring these resources, if you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact Mary Tobin (metobin@vcu.edu), Program Specialist, T/TAC at VCU.
Categories Early Childhood Special Education, Inclusive Practices