Promoting Inclusive Opportunities for Young Children with Disabilities
Project Description:
This project is a contract between the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Institute for Community Inclusion-(ICI) at UMass Boston. ICI has been contracted to develop resources to support school leaders, teachers, instructional partners, and families in supporting inclusive preschool and kindergarten programs, and to collect videos illustrating evidence-based practices that can be make visible to others.
There is a large body of research that support the use of evidence-based practices in early literacy, social-emotional learning, and positive behavior supports to promote childrens development and learning, and for serving children with disabilities in inclusive settings.
Tools, resources, and strategies shared through this project (e.g., guide, courses, policy briefs, and tools) will be useful in facilitating early literacy and social and emotional learning. The project will illustrate use of the Massachusetts Curriculum Framework Standards for preschool and kindergarten in English Language Arts and Social and Emotional Learning and Approaches to Play and learning in planning, designing, and implementing inclusive programs for children with and without disabilities.
The resources shared through this project can support educators working with preschool and kindergarten children in inclusive settings by promoting inclusion in schools, child care programs and community programs serving young children.
Products will include:
1) Five modules for independent study about the importance of Family Engagement, especially for children with disabilities.
2) On line resources to support understanding of and implementation of the DEC recommend practices.
Keyword(s):
Inclusion, Early Childhood, Preschool, Kindergarten
Core Function(s):
Developing & Disseminating Information, Continuing Education/Community Training
Area of Emphasis
Education & Early Intervention, Child Care-Related Activities, Other - Cultural Diversity
Target Audience:
Community Trainees / Short term trainees, Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Disadvantaged Circumstances, Limited English, Geographic Areas, Renewal Community
Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:
State
COVID-19 Related Data:
N/A
