eNotes
May 9, 2019Updates from the ECTA Center
State Indicators of High Quality Inclusion
ECTA is co-leading the National Early Childhood Inclusion Indicators Initiative with partners from across early care and education. The indicators will support state and local program leaders to examine and implement strategies that strengthen their capacity to provide high quality inclusive options in their communities. The goal of the initiative is to improve and increase inclusive opportunities for young children with disabilities and their families, through system and practice refinements.
In collaboration with partners from across early care and education, ECTA has developed State Indicators of High Quality Inclusion. The indicators address key infrastructure elements across state agencies and federal programs in a state early care and education system. They are designed to support leaders in evaluating and enhancing their system of supports to local programs in the service delivery system.
News from the Field
Varied State Criteria May Contribute to Differences in Percentages of Children Served
This report, from the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), looks at how differences in states' eligibility criteria and the difficulty of identifying and evaluating some children suspected of having disabilities may contribute to differences in the percentages of children receiving special education services across states. It examines how states implement Child Find under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and how the Department of Education and selected States monitor and support implementation.
Parent Education to Strengthen Families and Prevent Child Maltreatment
This issue brief provides an overview of parent education programming, the evidence base behind its effectiveness, and the characteristics and practices that help make programs successful. The brief also highlights state and local examples of parent education initiatives that are helping to ensure the safety and well-being of children and families. An extensive set of national parent education resources is also provided.
Strengthening the Early Childhood Education Continuum
This Policy Guide is focused on strengthening the pre-K to K-3 continuum. It describes lessons learned through work with five states addressing policy issues in their P-3 education systems. Authors describe key practices observed in these states that could be used by other states to address issues in their own early childhood education systems. It includes a worksheet with guiding questions for use by other states.