Despite Success, Federal Funding Plummets For Special Ed Preschool

Programs for preschoolers with disabilities are required by law. But as the number of students needing services has doubled, funding per child has decreased 40 percent in two decades. Read More;

Preparing for Early Childhood Inclusion of Children with Disabilities

The National Association Education Young Children (NAEYC) has developed a tip sheet that school staff and parents may find helpful as they plan with school staff to help children with disabilities make a successful transition into inclusive classrooms. Additional resources are available to learn more about teaching all types of learners, for example, Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center and the Technical Assistance Center on Social Emotional Intervention for Young Children.

Commonly asked questions about child care centers and the Americans with Disabilities Act:

Privately-run child care centers - like other public accommodations such as private schools, recreation centers, restaurants, hotels, movie theaters, and banks must comply with title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Child care services provided by State and local government agencies, such as Head Start, summer programs, and extended school day programs, must comply with title II of the ADA. Both titles apply to a child care center's interactions with the children, parents, guardians, and potential customers that it serves.   https://www.ada.gov/childqanda.htm   

Resources on Early Childhood Education

Two IRIS Modules have received the official endorsement of the Division of Early Childhood (DEC). In fact, Early Childhood Behavior Management: Developing and Teaching Rules and Early Childhood Environments: Designing Effective Classrooms were the very first resources to receive approval as DEC Recommended Practices Endorsed Products.

Could Depression Be a Problem for Your Preschooler? 9 Signs to Watch Out For

Depression was once thought to be an impossible ailment for young children. Yet research has found that depression in young children is real and can be identified as young as two years of age. The diagnosis, though rare, is becoming more acceptable in child psychiatry. Depression can be devastating and have a lasting effect on a child’s social, emotional, and cognitive development. The long-term consequences are too severe to ignore. The best news is, when diagnosed early and properly treated, kids almost always can be helped to feel better, and the earlier parents seek treatment the better. The key is to make…  Read in browser »

State: Preschool Unlawfully Expelled Girl With Down Syndrome

A state is suing after a preschool allegedly expelled a 3-year-old with Down syndrome because she wasn't potty-trained despite retaining typically-developing students lacking the same skill. Read More ;

The Best Literacy Apps for Preschool and Kindergarten Children

This review focuses on mobile apps that support many of the early literacy skills and instructional practices identified by the Report of the National Early Literacy Panel (NELP, 2002). The skills and practices listed in this article have been shown to have a sizable and reliable relationship to later conventional literacy skills. Young children who develop these skills will be better readers, spellers, and writers when they are in elementary school.   Read More

Study Finds Merit In Classroom-Based Autism Therapy

Preschool teachers may be able to play a significant role in helping kids with autism improve their language and social skills, a new study suggests.   https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2016/03/08/study-classroom-autism/22014/

Preschool teachers tackle behavioral challenges

The University of Colorado Denver's Pyramid Plus Center has helped about 200 preschools and day care centers implement an instructional model aimed at keeping young students with challenging behaviors in class. The Pyramid Plus model gives educators tools for teaching social-emotional skills.
Chalkbeat/Colorado
http://co.chalkbeat.org/2015/11/10/growing-preschool-program-welcomes-all-embracing-kids-with-special-needs/#.VkOk7TZdGM9

Obama Administration Makes Push for Preschool Inclusion

Federal officials say that all children with disabilities should be able to attend preschool alongside their typically-developing peers. 
http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2015/09/15/obama-preschool-inclusion/20800/

Feds Call For Greater Inclusion In Preschools

The Obama administration wants to see more kids with disabilities -- no matter how significant -- participating in classrooms alongside their typically-developing peers.  http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2015/05/19/feds-inclusion-preschools/20318/

Essentials for Parenting Toddlers & Preschoolers

A free, online resource developed by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) for parents of toddlers & preschoolers addresses common parenting challenges. Skills focus on encouraging good behavior & decreasing misbehavior using proven strategies like positive communication, structure & rules, clear directions, & consistent discipline & consequences. Although the examples used are specific for parents of toddlers & preschoolers, the general skills & tips can be applied to children of all ages.  http://www.stopbullying.gov/blog/2014/12/17/cdc-essentials-parenting-toddlers-and-preschoolers-using-positive-parenting-promote

5 Preschool Activities for Children with Special Needs from Friendship Circle Blog

During preschool, kids experience structured time together that is both fun and educational. They learn how to bond with their peers, follow directions and stick to a schedule; all skills that prepare them for school. For children with special needs, there are certain pre-school activities that work particularly well to keep them engaged, focused and actively learning. Here are five suggestions that help children with special needs, both in the classroom and at home, get the most out of their learning experiences. http://www.friendshipcircle.org/blog/2015/01/15/5-preschool-activities-for-children-with-special-needs/?utm_source=Friendship+Circle+Blog&utm_campaign=168d25a4d1-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3ec270b4ae-168d25a4d1-199142745