Inclusion in Early Learning Toolkit

This policy statement, released jointly by the United States Departments of Education and Health and Human Services, re-affirms that all young children with disabilities should have access to high-quality inclusive early childhood programs that provide individualized and appropriate support so they can fully participate alongside their peers without disabilities and achieve their full potential. 

Wheel lists developmental milestones for all children birth up to age 5.

The Division for Early Childhood and the National Association for the Education of Young Children define what inclusion means and looks like in early learning environments.

Framework from the Michigan Department of Education including information about professional development opportunities, education and credentials necessary to prepare an effective and highly qualified workforce of early childhood educators.

Do you know what to do if a child in your care is not meeting their developmental milestones or has a pre-existing health condition? Early On Michigan offers early intervention services for families who have infants and toddlers, birth to three years of age, with developmental delay(s) and/or disabilities. This session will allow you to learn helpful tips and language to discuss developmental concerns with parents/caregivers and teach you how to partner so that children are supported, safe, and meaningfully included in child care settings. 

HEADLINE: Concerned about your child’s development? 

COPY: Early On and Build Up can help!

POST COPY: If you have concerns about your child’s development, the first thing to do is learn who can help! That’s what Early On Michigan and Build Up Michigan are all about. Get started by downloading informational handouts linked here for parents and guardians describing the services provided by both Early On Michigan and Build Up.

HEADLINE: Great news!

COPY: Our child care center is now “inclusive child care”!

POST COPY: We are proud to announce that we are equipped to support children of all abilities! Inclusive child care means including children with learning delays in a child care setting alongside children who are meeting their milestones. Which means all of our students learn to develop positive self-images, friendship and social skills, problem-solving and respect for others.

HEADLINE: Need guidance about your child’s development? 

COPY: Visit the Build Up MI website.

POST COPY: Build Up Michigan helps locate and identify young children ages 3 through 5 years who need special education services. Some places refer to these special education programs and services as Build Up. Services such as speech and language therapy, physical or occupational therapy, and more are available for free to children who qualify through their Intermediate School District (ISD). Visit buildupmi.org

HEADLINE: Is your child meeting milestones?   

COPY: Download a handy milestone tracker! 

POST COPY: Not all children develop at the same rate, but most children can do certain things by a certain age. Taking the first step, smiling for the first time, and waving “bye-bye” are called developmental milestones. Download a handy milestone tracker to learn more about milestones and how to recognize them as your child grows.

HEADLINE: Need guidance about your child’s development? 

COPY: Visit the Early On MI website.

POST COPY: Early On is Michigan's system designed to help families with children who have developmental delays or are at risk for delays due to certain health conditions. If you have any concerns about your child’s development, both can provide information and resources to help you. Early On can guide families with infants and toddlers ages birth to age 3. Build Up helps parents and their children ages 3 through 5. Visit 1800earlyon.org