Research Report

A Practical Guide for State Teams to Increase Inclusion in Early Childhood Programs

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A Practical Guide for State Teams to Increase Inclusion in Early Childhood Programs offers valuable insights for state agency leaders and advocates on using data to promote inclusive policies for young children in early care and education settings. Designed for State Early Childhood Inclusion Teams, the guide provides actionable steps to foster a culture of inclusion, particularly for children with disabilities. It outlines key strategies such as forming dedicated teams, leveraging data for decision-making, and understanding funding opportunities to achieve inclusive goals. The Inclusion Guide primarily focuses on preschool children, ages three to five, aiming to ensure they have access to the programs and services that best support their development.

The Authors

Dr. Lori Connors-Tadros is a recognized national leader in early care and education policy and research and provides technical assistance to states to use research to craft and implement effective policies. Lori has deep expertise in comprehensive state early childhood systems, finance and governance for effective policy implementation, leadership and agency capacity to implement policy and improve access, and research and policy to improve outcomes for young children.

GG Weisenfeld is a Senior ECE Policy Specialist at the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) at Rutgers University, Graduate School of Education. 

About NIEER

The National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) at the Graduate School of Education, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, conducts and disseminates independent research and analysis to inform early childhood education policy.