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.
- Policy Statement: Inclusion of Children with Disabilities in Early Childhood Programs (November 28, 2023)
- Policy Statement on Inclusion of Children with Disabilities in Early Childhood Programs (September 14, 2015)
- Dear Colleague Letter on the Nondiscriminatory Administration of School Discipline (January 8, 2014)
- Guidance Document on Expulsion and Suspension Policies in early Childhood Settings (December 9, 2014)
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) — also available in a Spanish language edition: Práctica Apropiada para el Desarrollo en Programas para la Primera Infancia para la Atención de Niños desde el Nacimiento hasta los 8 Años de Edad
- Early Childhood Inclusion: A Joint Position Statement (2009, DEC/NAEYC) — includes a Spanish-language edition and an executive summary