The Preschool Inclusion Toolbox

Excerpted from "The Preschool Inclusion Toolbox, Second Edition: How to Build and Lead a High-Quality Program" by Erin E. Barton, Ph.D., BCBA-D, Barbara J. Smith, Ph.D., and Brandy M. Locchetta, Ph.D., BCBA-D.

How to Build and Lead a High-Quality Program

About the Authors

Erin E. Barton, Ph.D., BCBA-D, Barton Consulting, LLC, Nashville, TN

Erin E. Barton, Ph.D., BCBA-D, is an international educational consultant and faculty for the Pyramid Model Consortium. She has worked in the field of education for over 30 years in many different capacities including as a special education teacher, family coach, and university professor. She has developed training materials and coaching tools for supporting evidence-based practices in natural and inclusive settings.

Barbara J. Smith, PhD, Retired, Denver, CO

Dr. Smith serves on the Leadership Team of the National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations (NCPMI) and was an early developer of the Pyramid Model leadership strategies. She has authored several works pertaining to inclusion and has consulted on implementing the Pyramid Model nationwide.

Brandy M. Locchetta, Ph.D., BCBA-D, Assistant Professor, University of West Georgia, Carrollton, GA

Dr. Brandy M. Locchetta is an assistant professor of special education and coordinator of the Applied Behavior Analysis program at the University of West Georgia. She graduated from Vanderbilt University with a Ph.D. in special education and applied behavior analysis.

Introduction

The purpose of this book, referred to as a toolbox, is to provide practical tools to assist school districts in developing program-level policies and procedures that promote preschool inclusion. This toolbox offers a self-directed guide for identifying challenges to preschool inclusion and developing policies that support the appropriate placement of young children with disabilities alongside children without disabilities for their special education services.

The tools in the toolbox include:

• Fact sheets summarizing research and IDEA requirements.
• Templates, checklists, and sample materials to aid in creating supportive policies and practices.
• Reflection questions to encourage critical thinking.

Why This Topic?

Ensuring that all infants, toddlers, and young children with disabilities have access to high-quality, inclusive early learning environments is essential for upholding their rights and those of their families.

Research

This toolbox is based on extensive research, demonstrating that high-quality early education and developmental services for young children with disabilities significantly improve developmental outcomes. Inclusive environments benefit all young children, not just those with disabilities.

Laws Supporting Preschool Inclusion

Multiple laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), support preschool inclusion, ensuring that children with disabilities are educated alongside their nondisabled peers.

National Professional Organizations Supporting Preschool Inclusion

In 2009, two prominent early childhood organizations, the DEC and NAEYC, published a joint statement advocating for preschool inclusion that emphasizes access, participation, and supports for children.

Contents

1. About the Downloads
2. About the Authors
3. About the Contributors
4. Foreword Hailey Love
5. Dedication
6. Introduction
7. Appendix I - Fact Sheet of Research on Preschool Inclusion
8. Laying the Groundwork for Preschool Inclusion
   • What Is Quality Inclusion?
   • Preschool Inclusion Challenges and Solutions
   • Creating Policies and Procedures That Support Preschool Inclusion
9. Evidence-Based Practices That Support Preschool Inclusion
   • Supporting Preschool Inclusion through Teaming and Action Planning
   • Supporting Preschool Inclusion through High-Quality Professional Development
10. Making Preschool Inclusion Happen
11. Financing High-Quality Preschool Inclusion
12. Administrative Support for High-Quality Preschool Inclusion
13. Models of Preschool Inclusion
14. Making Individualized Child Placement Decisions
15. Bringing It All Together
16. References
17. Resources
18. Index

Key Terms

• Public policies: Laws and regulations enacted by public institutions.
• Preschool children with disabilities: Children ages 3–5 eligible for a free appropriate public education under Part B of the IDEA.

Tips for Success!

• Stay updated with current research on early childhood inclusion to ensure your practices are evidence-based and effective.

Application Questions

• Reflect on the percentage of U.S. preschoolers with disabilities receiving services in regular early childhood programs and what empirical research exists to support preschool inclusion.

Inclusion Framework

This framework guides the organization and content of this book, ensuring that inclusive practices are integrated into every aspect of early childhood education.