Two decades have passed since the initiation of
public supported early childhood special education (ECSE) services
for preschool children with disabilities and their families.
These education services are best provided early in the child's
development, in the same settings in which we find typically developing
children such as daycare, Head Start or preschool.
Over the past twenty years a set of practices have emerged that
are highly effective for meeting the educational needs of children
with disabilities. These "recommended practices" have
come to be known as Inclusive Early Education and include such topics
as family centered services, collaborative planning for IEP's, monitoring
child progress and planning for the child's transition.
The following article, published by the Council
for Exceptional Children, examines decision making regarding
young children’s participation in inclusive programs.
| "Families frequently cited their children’s
need for appropriate role models for behavior, speech, and social
skills, and expressed their feelings that inclusive settings
were best suited to provide these learning experiences." |
After
Preschool Inclusion: Children’s Educational Pathways Over
the Early School Years
If you think your child may benefit from an inclusive educational
environment, or if you'd like more information on the topic, please
contact us. |
