Including Young Children with Disabilities in High-Quality Early Childhood Programs

Notice: Comment Period is Now Closed

The U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services are proposing to release a policy statement on inclusion of young children with disabilities in high-quality inclusive early childhood programs. It is the purpose of this blog to request comments on the proposed statement. Please review the attached draft policy statement and provide comments no later than 9:00pm EDT, Friday, May 22, 2015 (extended from 6:00pm EDT due to system being down temporarily earlier today).

It is the Departments’ position that all young children with disabilities should have access to inclusive high-quality early childhood programs, where they are provided with appropriate support in meeting high expectations. To further this position, the Departments will release a policy statement on the inclusion of young children with disabilities in early childhood programs.

The policy statement:

  • Provides a definition of inclusion in early childhood programs,
  • Highlights the legal and scientific foundations supporting inclusion, and
  • Provides recommendations to states, local educational agencies (LEAs), schools, and early childhood programs for expanding inclusive high-quality early learning opportunities for all children.

Though this policy statement focuses on including young children with disabilities, it is our shared vision that all Americans be meaningfully included in all facets of society throughout the life course. This begins in early childhood programs and continues into schools, places of employment, and the broader community.

We look forward to receiving your comments by 9:00pm EDT, Friday, May 22, 2015 (extended from 6:00pm EDT due to system being down temporarily earlier today).

Download:

 

 

Posted by
Information Technology Specialist, U.S. Department of Education