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Including All Children

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 Disabilities @ VCU Amy Yarcich, Parent.

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Including All Children

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  1. 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 Disabilities @ VCU Amy Yarcich, Parent

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

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

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

  5. 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?

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

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

  11. 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 Introducing Gavin Cox

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

  13. October 2004Gavin Moves to Infant II

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

  15. Working with Cara

  16. 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

  17. 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

  18. 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

  19. Gavin Participates in All Activities • Snacks after napping on a cot

  20. Snacks with Cara • Incorporate therapy into typical activities

  21. Playing with Jordyn

  22. ArtworkGavin Originals

  23. 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.

  24. Quotefrom 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.”

  25. Results • Early childhood professionals training • Technical assistance

  26. Next Steps • Funding Opportunities • Preschool Inclusion Resource Center

  27. Thank you! • Questions, comments • What is working in your community? • Let’s keep in touch: mlwhite2@vcu.edu

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