Inclusion: Access, Participation, and Supports
CYFD Offers 6-Hour Inclusion Course
Professional Development Opportunities
Inclusion Resources: Helpful Websites
by Betty Lansdowne
These two websites are filled with information about inclusion for professionals and families and include extensive links to other internet resources. They are free and easily navigated. Enjoy using them.
Special Quest Birth to Five
http://www.specialquest.org/
SpecialQuest Birth–Five Head Start/Hilton Training Program is funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Head Start. Its vision is to provide high-quality, inclusive services for young children with disabilities and their families, working collaboratively with partners within state and local communities, including Early Head Start and Head Start programs. It is anticipated that the SpecialQuest approach, materials and resources will be embedded into professional development and service system
This website includes a wide array of resources including information on the law, a newsletter spotlighting “ideas that work” contributed by professionals in the field, brochures and posters promoting inclusion that can be downloaded, videos and training materials that can be incorporated into your own professional development activities, and a “Getting a Diagnosis” section which is especially supportive to families. Special Quest staff regularly host discussion forums called “Ask the Expert” (check the website for dates and topics). You tube, Wiki, Facebook, and Twitter social media networks are used as additional resource venues which can be accessed through the website.
National Professional Development Center on Inclusion (NPDCI)
http://community.fpg.unc.edu/npdci
The National Professional Development Center on Inclusion (NPDCI) is working with 8 states, including New Mexico, to ensure that early childhood teachers are prepared to educate and care for young children with disabilities in settings with their typically developing peers. The center, a part of the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute at the University of North Carolina, is collaborating with partners to provide extensive support to professionals. This website offers concept papers, presentations, and tools for professionals and families to use as well as monthly topical webinars led by reknowned leaders in the area of inclusion.
