Inclusion
Topic Editor: Catasha Williams
catasha.williams@unc.eduIndicators of High-Quality Inclusion
A national initiative with partners across early care and education working to develop indicators that address inclusive policies and practices at the state, local program leadership and early care and education environments level. 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.
Get StartedThe contents of this topical area are designed for the administrators of state agencies responsible for services to young children and their families, including child care, Head Start, education, and early intervention. We have compiled information for administrators who are challenged with developing policies and programs that lead to inclusive comprehensive and coordinated services for all young children, ages birth to 8 years, and their families.
Services in inclusive settings are mandated and supported by federal and state laws and policies. Significant research efforts have documented policies and practices that contribute to quality inclusive programs. And a variety of programs are developing and disseminating models of effective inclusive practices.
Inclusion is not the responsibility of any one agency or service provider. It requires multiagency and public and private efforts to ensure that inclusive policies and practices are adequately funded. Successful inclusion requires collaboration at a national and state level. All stakeholders must work together to assure that quality services are provided by appropriately trained personnel.
Additional sources of information on Inclusion and the importance of collaboration:
- Financing Strategies and Collaborative Funding for Inclusive Programs
- Policy and Position Statements on Inclusion
- Personnel Development on Inclusion
Think Inclusive Podcast
ECTA has partnered with Think Inclusive and the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education (MCIE) to bring a series of episodes on the inclusion of children with disabilities in early childhood settings. Historically, this podcast focused on a K–12 audience. The partnership with ECTA expands the reach to an early childhood audience since inclusion in early childhood sets the trajectory for children. It will feature stories about serving infants, toddlers, and preschoolers in inclusive settings. Check this page regularly for new episodes.
Episodes produced in collaboration with ECTA that focus on early childhood include:
- How Oregon Prioritizes Early Childhood Inclusion May 9, 2024
- ECTA: Building High-Quality Systems Supporting Inclusive Education for Young Learners with Disabilities May 2, 2024
- Palm Beach County's Journey Towards Inclusion for Young Learners with Disabilities November 30, 2023
- Inclusion in Early Childhood Education with OSEP Director Valerie Williams November 16, 2023