Including All Children One effort to move forward with the inclusion of children with disabilities in 5 neighborhoods in Richmond, Virginia Mary Lynn White, Project Coordinator Partnership for People with VCU Amy Yarcich, Parent

Stop and Think… Share your earliest memory related to people with disabilities.

The Project The ELOA grant The primary focus: to “raise the bar” for quality early childhood programs in 5 neighborhoods in Richmond metropolitan area

The Plan Needs Assessment Awareness level training for early childhood professionals Resource Notebooks Materials Technical Assistance

Needs Assessment General information about the center or home: number and ages of children, etc. Currently serving children with disabilities? If so, type? Current level of knowledge about inclusion. What do they need most? What training styles are most effective? What days and times work best?

Early Childhood Professionals Training What inclusion is What the law says The benefits of inclusion to: -children with disabilities -children without disabilities -families of both Working with parents Behavior action plan

Resource Notebook Brochures for local agencies Website addresses Articles on specific disabilities Phone numbers for local early intervention offices FAQ about the ADA and child care centers

Materials In addition to the Resource Notebook, each center or provider received: Sensory touch board – a puzzle for the eyes and hands A children’s book about kids with disabilities in inclusive settings

Technical Assistance 15 programs (centers or homes) 6 hours of technical assistance from a consultant with expertise in the particular disability of the child Focus on helping providers feel more confident and subsequently more open to including that child and others in the future with special needs

From Drawing Board to Action Lots of theory, plans, talk, but how does it really work? A success story…

Introducing Gavin Cox 2-years-old Has attended the Friends Robert L. Taylor Childcare Center in Richmond since he was 3-months-old Happy, healthy, friendly boy with a rare chromosome disorder and resulting developmental delays

Gavin’s Childcare Experience Gavin began in Infant I At age 1 and walking, most kids transition to Infant II Gavin wasn’t walking Discussions with Childcare Center

October 2004 Gavin Moves to Infant II

Gavin’s Schedule Gavin is very busy Doctor Appointments Therapy Sessions Time w/ Grandma Lots More! Opportunity for special notes

Working with Cara

Communication Using the notebook

Positive Student Profile Questions Who is Gavin? Describe Gavin, including information such as place in family, personality, likes and dislikes What are Gavin’s Strengths? Highlight all areas in which Gavin does well, including educational and social environments Who are Gavin’s successes? List all successes no matter how small

What are Gavin’s greatest challenges? List the areas in which Gavin has the greatest difficulty What supports are needed for Gavin? List supports that will help Gavin achieve his potential What are your nightmares for Gavin? What are your dreams for Gavin? Describe your vision for Gavin’s future, including both short- term and long-term goals Other helpful information List any pertinent information, including health care needs, that has not been detailed elsewhere Adapted from: Collaborative teams for Students with Severe Disabilities

Therapy Sessions at the Childcare Center Gavin works with several therapists Infant Educator Speech Therapist Physical Therapist Vision Therapist Occupational Therapist One-on-one and With other children

Gavin Participates in All Activities Snacks after napping on a cot

Snacks with Cara Incorporate therapy into typical activities

Playing with Jordyn

Artwork Gavin Originals

What’s next for Gavin? Gavin will move to the next classroom in the Fall. This transition usually happens at age 2, but due to the center’s summer schedule and Gavin’s great teachers in his current classroom, we all agreed on the Fall. His new teachers will receive technical assistance through the grant.

Quote from a former teacher Strengths “He has a determination & desire to do for himself that I hope carries him through his life. He interacts well with the other children although they are (or seem to be) aware he has special needs and they ‘look out’ for him.”

Results Early childhood professionals training Technical assistance

Next Steps Funding Opportunities Preschool Inclusion Resource Center

Thank you! Questions, comments What is working in your community? Let’s keep in touch: