Inclusion: Access, Participation, and Supports
CYFD Offers 6-Hour Inclusion Course
Professional Development Opportunities
Children, Youth and Families Department Offering a Six-Hour Course on Inclusion
by Janet Alvarado
Early Childhood practitioners in New Mexico will have the opportunity to come together in their communities to participate in a 6 hour course on Inclusion. The Early Childhood Training and Technical Assistance Programs are beginning to offer the course to support licensed child care providers who have a 3 or 4 STAR license in meeting a new requirement.
Beginning July 1, 2010, at the time of their license renewal, all classroom staff, administrative staff and licensed family caregivers must complete the “Quality Early Childhood Programs For All” course. Although priority is currently given to 3 and 4 STAR licensed programs and homes, the course will eventually be available to any early childhood professional working with young children.
Through group discussion, activities and reflection, the course:
- invites participants to examine their attitudes, perceptions and possible fears about inclusion.
- recognizes that all children and their families have strengths and that children with special needs should be thought of as children first.
- emphasizes how our work must value the unique culture of each child and family.
- demonstrates how effective developmentally appropriate practices can support each child’s opportunity to be successful, including children with disabilities.
- validates the good work childhood professionals are already doing and encourages them to identify areas for their own professional development.
- stresses the importance of building relationships with children, families, colleagues, and community partners to build quality inclusive programs.
- identifies special services and resources.
- introduces laws that support inclusion.
- emphasizes that effective collaboration is central to providing quality early care to every child.
Although inclusion of children with special needs is the focus, participants look at the many ways we may unintentionally exclude children and families with or without special needs. For more information about the course contact Janet Alvarado at 575-373-6603 or Joe Debonis at 505-272-3825.