HHS-ED Policy Statement on Inclusion of Children with Disabilities in Early Childhood Programs

Recently, the U.S. Departments of Education (ED) and Health and Human Services (HHS) released a joint policy statement on the inclusion of children with disabilities in early childhood programs. This policy statement builds upon the earlier 2015 policy statement with renewed commitment and urgency as children with disabilities continue to face significant barriers accessing and participating in inclusive early childhood programs. All young children with disabilities should have access to inclusive, high-quality early childhood programs that provide individualized and appropriate support so they can fully participate alongside their peers without disabilities. 

Highlights of the joint policy statement include:  

• An expanded definition of inclusion in early childhood programs 
• Increased focus on children’s full and effective participation in a program’s learning activities and experiences 
• Strategies to address racial and economic disparities in access to inclusive settings 
• Alignment of state and local recommendations and exemplars with national Indicators of High-quality Inclusion 
• Updated resources and state and local exemplars of inclusion 

An overarching priority of the Preschool Development Birth Through Five (PDG B-5) funding is to ensure inclusion of children with, or at risk of, disabilities. Grantees are expected to demonstrate an intentional approach and clear commitment to developing policies, dedicating resources, collecting data, implementing professional development (including training for providers working with infants and toddlers with disabilities), and supporting practices that enable children with, or at risk of, disabilities and their families to access ECCE programs that support their full participation in the least restrictive environment, and that leverages the extensive experience and knowledge of parents of children with, or at risk of, disabilities about their children’s needs. 

The updated policy statement is a document full of additional resources for PDG B-5 grantees and their partners to utilize as they continue to prioritize including all children in their grant activities. 

Learn more about the Preschool Development Grant (PDG) in Pennsylvania.