1. 1 Collaborative Financing to Promote Preschool Inclusion Creating Connections to Shining Stars Virginia Beach, 2013 Shelley deFosset Katy McCullough Andrea Riegel Act Locally, Think Inclusively Act Locally, Think Inclusively Act Locally, Think Inclusively:

2. Preview of Who’s in the Room

3. Objectives for our conversation… Share a local example of the facilitators and barriers to inclusion in Virginia Explore considerations for local collaboration to promote inclusion Discuss collaborative finance strategies to serve children in inclusive settings Share resources & supports

4. Assumptions We value inclusion We know there are benefits of inclusion to all children We want to increase/expand opportunities We have to collaborate with others (cross- sector initiatives & families) because we can’t get there by ourselves We must adhere to regulatory requirements

5. DEC/NAEYC Joint Definition of Early Childhood Inclusion Early childhood inclusion embodies the values, policies, and practices that support the right of every infant and young child and his or her family, regardless of ability, to participate in a broad range of activities and contexts as full members of families, communities, and society. The desired results of inclusive experiences for children with and without disabilities and their families include a sense of belonging and membership, positive social relationships and friendships, and development and learning to reach their full potential.

6. Where We Are In VA on Inclusion VA SPP, Baseline for Indicator B6 FFY 2011,submitted February 2013

7. One Community’s Story…. Augusta County

8. Talking in Pairs What about the Augusta story resonated with you?

9. Four Considerations for Local Collaboration Inclusion Opportunities Motivation and Action Sharing Resources Infrastructure Start anywhere, follow it everywhere. -Myron Rogers Act Locally, Think Inclusively

10. Considerations for Local Collaboration 1.How and where are children included/served? o settings, service delivery models, curriculum/assessment 2. What is the initial motivation & action? o identify community partners, common vision 3. How are resources shared? o personnel, settings, equipment, professional development 4. What infrastructures are in place? o funding streams, regulatory requirements & data sharing

11. Resources DEC/NAEYC Joint Position Statement http://www.fpg.unc.edu/resources/early-childhood- inclusion-joint-position-statement-division-early- childhood-dec-and-nation Research Synthesis Points on Early Childhood Inclusion (2009) http://www.fpg.unc.edu/resources/research- synthesis-points-early-childhood-inclusion

12. VA Resources & Supports VA Early Childhood Foundation – Local Smart Beginnings – Solving the Preschool Puzzle (under revision) T/TACs -IPOP SpecialQuest – Inclusion Checklists

13. Talking in Small Groups Do you see opportunities for how you could make this happen in your community? How would you get started? – Who is on your core support team? Who are the community partners who serve and support young children and their families in your community?

14. Share back Share one example for of how you could get this started in your community.

15. Reflection What’s the first step you plan to take when you get back home to make inclusion happen in your program?

16. Share Your Step Forward What is ‘1’ step that you can take?

17. Continuous Improvement Shelley deFossetdefosset@icloud.comdefosset@icloud.com Katy McCulloughkaty.mccullough@unc.edukaty.mccullough@unc.edu Andrea Riegelariegel@augusta.k12.va.usariegel@augusta.k12.va.us 1.What worked well for you in this session? 2.What suggestions do you have to improve the process?