Recently Released: Policy Statement on Inclusion of Children with Disabilities in Early Childhood Programs
Summary and Notes written by: Carrie Portrie, M.Ed, EC-SEAT Project Coordinator On September 14th, 2015, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Education released a policy statement on inclusion of children with disabilities in early childhood programs. The executive summary begins by identifying three landmark celebrations this year: 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Act 40th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) 50th anniversary of Head Start and states: "All three efforts have been transformative in ensuring equal opportunity for all Americans. While tremendous progress has been made, the anniversaries of these laws are cause for reflection on the work that lies ahead" The joint policy notes a lag in inclusive opportunities for children as troubling and lists the following reasons: "Being meaningfully included as a member of society is the first step to equal opportu...