Making Sound LRE Decisions in Preschool
Making Sound LRE Decisions in Preschool
The IEP process includes requirements and actions that ensure IEP teams have the information needed to discuss and consider access to and participation in high-quality inclusive settings for every young child with a disability during IEP placement discussions. This document lists important actions in the IEP development process along with guiding principles and practices that should inform placement decisions for young children with disabilities.
Included in this document are Guiding Questions for Discussing Services in the LRE to make sound placement decisions for each young child with a disability. To aid in planning for inclusion within the district as well as with other state and community partners to ensure placements are available throughout the year for each child Personnel Development Tools are provided that align to the Actions within an Effective IEP Process. The tools help to create a common vision for inclusion.
Creating Equitable Learning Environments for Young Children of Color (PDF)
The California Department of Education Early Education Division (EED) has released a new online publication titled Creating Equitable Early Learning Environments for Young Boys of Color. This free publication was written primarily for child care and early education providers and program and school leaders.
“Early childhood educators are uniquely positioned to influence positive change for Boys of Color. This book provides teachers and program leaders with a helpful roadmap for improving racial equity through strengthening racial awareness, addressing implicit bias, and creating culturally responsive environments that are safe, affirming, and engaging for Boys of Color and their families.” — Tony Thurmond, State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Position Statement of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support Framework in Early Childhood
This position statement replaces the 2013 Frameworks for Response to Intervention in Early Childhood: Description and Implications.
The purpose of the revised statement is to define an early childhood multitiered system of support (MTSS) framework and to promote a broader understanding and discussion of the implications for young children, their families, and those who serve them.
The guidelines provided in this position statement are useful to programs seeking to implement the broad principles and elements of an MTSS framework. Specifically, programs can ensure that young children are being universally screened, authentically assessed, and differentially supported in ways that are developmentally appropriate and address their unique needs across both curricular and developmental outcomes.
The Powerful Role of Play in Early Education (PDF)
This publication, part of the Best Practices for Planning Curriculum for Young Children series, discusses the critical role of play for children, particularly in early childhood. Play is an important context in which children learn, experiment with new ideas, and make sense of the world around them.
Resource Guide for Developing Integrated Strategies to Support Social and Emotional Wellness in Children (During the COVID-19 Pandemic)
The COVID-19 pandemic has swiftly and substantially affected the social and emotional health of children, especially those experiencing multiple hardships. As the pandemic has spread across the United States, many children are experiencing widespread disruptions in daily life. Young children are reacting to stress as their parent and caregiver routines change. Children may have strong feelings of fear, worry, sadness, and anger about the pandemic and related issues that impact behavior at home and in child care.
To address these issues, the Office of Child Care (OCC) has a new initiative to further integrate social and emotional support strategies in child care’s mixed delivery system. A Resource Guide for Developing Integrated Strategies to Support the Social and Emotional Wellness of Children highlights promising strategies and provides information about how some CCDF grantees have already leveraged partnerships and funding to support implementation success.
Responsive Early Education for Young Children and Families Experiencing Homelessness (PDF)
This California Department of Education publication provides essential factual information and resources about the extent of early childhood homelessness in addition to concrete research-based strategies teachers can implement that benefit all of the children in their care and are essential for young children and their families impacted by homelessness. This book is made more powerful and useful with the inclusion of many authentic vignettes created from interviews with children and families experiencing homelessness across California in addition to the diverse professionals who serve them. These stories remind us of the urgency and shared responsibility we have to ensure that all children have opportunities to participate in early learning environments that promote their well-being, optimal development, and educational success.
A Letter from the California Department of Education: Access to Inclusive Early Learning and Care Programs for Students with Disabilities
Published: Mar 2019
This letter from the California Department of Education reaffirms expectations for access to inclusive early learning and care programs for students with disabilities in California. As California continues to pursue a system of education that adequately addresses the needs of each and every student in the least restrictive environment (LRE), providing access to inclusive early learning opportunities for students with disabilities is fundamental.
California Department of Education Streaming Video Collection
The Early Learning and Care Division launched the California Department of Education Streaming Video Collection, an online streaming video subscription service. Users may now access the companion videos for California’s educational resources on one simple platform.
Social Security Administration: 2019 Benefits for Children with Disabilities (PDF)
The Social Security Administration has a 2019 version of its pamphlet explaining the benefits availability to eligible children with disabilities (under the age of 18): SSI, SSDI, health insurance, Medicaid and Medicare, employment support programs, and more, including how to apply.
Building a Comprehensive State Policy Strategy to Prevent Expulsion from Early Learning Settings, 2nd Edition
Published: June 2018
The Expulsion Policy Strategy Tool lays out a rubric for a range of policy options to promote young children’s social-emotional development and reduce the likelihood of expulsion and suspension in early learning settings. The tool is closely aligned with the 2014 Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) reauthorization and can be used to identify strengths and set priorities for action. Its goals are to support the development of state-level strategies to build quality, equity, and capacity in early learning settings and to provide an approach to preventing suspension and expulsion that acknowledges the role of many critical programs, such as child care assistance; quality rating and improvement systems; workforce and professional development; licensing; behavioral and mental health.