CAC Meeting November 4, 2011 Early Childhood Highlights

Featured Project CC+ME/RELATE “A picture is worth a thousand words...”

The University of Maine Center for Community Inclusion & Disability Studies Over the course of a year and a half when we’ve had consultation we see slow changes, which have added up to big changes. Knowing that the consultants were coming the teachers were able to get the support they need to go back into the classroom and be effective teachers. ~ Child Care Director

The University of Maine Center for Community Inclusion & Disability Studies When the consultants came and we did some work I felt like, OK I can trust myself and my judgment. They gave us constructive feedback so we could make changes; it was respectful and professional. It made me grow as a teacher. I really felt like without this program I would have left the profession.

Featured Project CC+ME/RELATE Addendum

The University of Maine Center for Community Inclusion & Disability Studies CC+ME/RELATE Addendum Goal: To build system capacity and sustainability related to quality inclusive practices, universal design and early childhood mental health/wellness.

The University of Maine Center for Community Inclusion & Disability Studies NEW Growing Ideas Tipsheets Tipsheet topics are based on project findings, and research. Hot Topics! Developed in partnership with the DRC to bring together expertise. Provide basic information: What, Why, and How/What to do next. Offer learning links with more information and practical tools.

The University of Maine Center for Community Inclusion & Disability Studies Three New Tips Admissions Policies and Practices that Build Inclusive Child Care Communities (for Providers). Admissions Policies and Practices that Build Inclusive Child Care Communities (for Parents and Guardians). Confidentiality: Respecting the Privacy of All Families.

The University of Maine Center for Community Inclusion & Disability Studies Admissions: What & Why Quality inclusive child care settings include children with disabilities and health, behavioral or mental health concerns. Admissions policies that clearly state eligibility criteria, practices, program and parent and/or guardian responsibilities, can help families evaluate if the program will be a good match for their child.

The University of Maine Center for Community Inclusion & Disability Studies Admissions: What & Why (b) Why is an admissions policy important for quality inclusive child care programs? What might an admissions policy reflecting an inclusive philosophy contain? What does the ADA say about admissions policies?

The University of Maine Center for Community Inclusion & Disability Studies Admissions Action Steps for Providers (How/What to do next) Modifying policies and practices. When a program cannot accommodate a child, providers should.. Where to learn more: See: “Admissions Policies and Practices that Build Inclusive Child Care Communities — Learning Links” on our website.

The University of Maine Center for Community Inclusion & Disability Studies Admissions Action Steps for Parents (How/What to do next) Review the program’s policies and practices. If you believe your child needs a reasonable modification…. Considerations during the admission/enrollment process. Where to learn more: See: “Admissions Policies and Practices that Build Inclusive Child Care Communities — Learning Links” on our website.

The University of Maine Center for Community Inclusion & Disability Studies Next Steps Finalize and post to web site. Offer a webinar to showcase new products: (in partnership with DRC?) Provide regional “Time with a Consultant” sessions to use the tools from the Learning Links. Look for funding to expand the work. Other ideas?

Featured Project Maine Expanding Inclusive Opportunities

The University of Maine Center for Community Inclusion & Disability Studies Maine Expanding Inclusive Opportunities (MEIO) Expanding Inclusive Opportunities is a federally funded initiative designed to build on existing state efforts to improve inclusive opportunities for young children with disabilities and their families.

The University of Maine Center for Community Inclusion & Disability Studies Maine Expanding Inclusive Opportunities (MEIO) (continued) The Expanding Opportunities initiative is an interagency collaboration among the Office of Head Start, Child Care Bureau, and Administration on Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) in the Department of Health and Human Services; and the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) in the Department of Education.

The University of Maine Center for Community Inclusion & Disability Studies MEIO WEBSITE : TO IMPROVE STATE LEVEL CROSS-AGENCY NETWORKING AND RESOURCES SHARING

The University of Maine Center for Community Inclusion & Disability Studies Early Childhood Settings On-line Inclusion Toolkit Developed to support early childhood programs in providing high quality inclusive settings for young children and their families. Provides basic information about inclusion and quality early childhood practices that welcome all children.

The University of Maine Center for Community Inclusion & Disability Studies Early Childhood Settings On-line Inclusion Toolkit (continued) The resources selected are useful for individuals thinking about starting a program, as well as for staff currently working in early childhood settings.

The University of Maine Center for Community Inclusion & Disability Studies A “quick” TOUR sion_toolkit default.htm

The University of Maine Center for Community Inclusion & Disability Studies Partnership Activity with MPF Make current toolkit “speak to families”. Review messages and add language. Review tools and add others. Code resources for varied audiences.  ★ family  provider  both Look for funding to support this work. Other ideas?

The University of Maine Center for Community Inclusion & Disability Studies Thank YOU! Linda Labas Early Childhood Coordinator