Policy and Position Statements on Inclusion
The federal resources are intended to clarify the intent of the IDEA and explain regulatory requirements. Resources from national professional organizations offer recommendations for high quality practices and define characteristics of inclusion. These include a key policy letter and position statements and guidance pertaining to the inclusion of children with disabilities in early childhood settings.
See also: Expulsion and Suspension in Early Childhood
Federal Policy Statements
The U.S. Departments of Education and Health and Human Services released joint guidance detailing the legal foundation, evidence-based practices, state and local level infrastructure recommendations, and resources to support inclusion of children with disabilities in early childhood programs. The departments also released a joint policy statement and letter on preventing the suspension and expulsion of young children from early childhood settings.
- 2023 Policy Statement: Inclusion of Children with Disabilities in Early Childhood Programs
- 2015 Policy Statement on Inclusion of Children with Disabilities in Early Childhood Programs
- 2014 Letter on Expulsion and Suspension
- 2014 Policy Statement on Expulsion and Suspension Policies in Early Childhood Settings
Federal Policy Letters and Guidance
The Office of Special Education Programs provides updated guidance on regulatory requirements, preschool placement options, data reporting for educational environments, and use of IDEA Part B funds for preschool children with disabilities.
Position Statements from Professional Organizations
National professional organizations provide position statements to recommendations on desired practices describe characteristics and defining features of high quality practices for young children and their families, including children with disabilities.
- Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs Serving Children from Birth through Age 8 (2009, NAEYC)
- Early Childhood Inclusion: A Joint Position Statement (2009, DEC/NAEYC)
- Executive Summary: Early Childhood Inclusion: A Summary
- Spanish Edition: La inclusión en la infancia temprana
Tools
ECTA Center's Considerations for Developing State Policy and Guidance on Inclusion of Children with Disabilities in Early Childhood Programs (2017) is based on the recommendations in the 2015 Joint Policy Statement on Inclusion of Children with Disabilities in Early Childhood Programs, and can help states develop the policy and guidance needed to implement high-quality inclusive practices across early care and education programs.