- The U.S. Departments of Education and Health and Human Services have issued a joint policy statement: Inclusion of Children with Disabilities in Early Childhood Programs.
- The joint policy statement reaffirms the expectations for inclusion in high-quality early childhood programs to ensure that young children with disabilities are given access to the early childhood programs, services, and experiences that children without disabilities have within a state or local community.
- Recommendations for state and local strategies to build a culture of early childhood inclusion are outlined with exemplary models and effective practices.
- The joint policy statement includes links to guidance, technical assistance, and national centers that promote inclusion and support children, families, educators, early learning programs, local educational agencies, and states in building comprehensive systems that meet the individualized learning and developmental needs of every child.
- School districts are encouraged to review the joint policy statement and the included resources with their committees on preschool special education as they evaluate the school district’s preschool least restrictive environment performance data and plan for prospective program development and local partnerships to ensure inclusive early learning opportunities for resident preschool students with disabilities.
- NYSED information on Preschool Inclusion in Publicly Funded Prekindergarten may be found on the School District Responsibilities for Preschool Inclusion in Publicly Funded Prekindergarten Program webpage”, and then have a period at the end.
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