National Guidance

Inclusion and LRE for young children has its origins in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).  We know from research and best practice that high quality inclusion in early childhood leads to social and education benefits for each and every child.

In addition to IDEA we have specific guidance:

  • The U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services policy statement on inclusion of young children with disabilities in high-quality inclusive early childhood programs was revised and released November 23, 2023. This policy statement states 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, meet high expectations, and achieve their full potential. The statement
    • Reiterates the expectation for inclusion in high-quality early childhood programs;
    • Sets the expectation that inclusion continues as children transition into elementary school;
    • Continues to increase public awareness and understanding of the latest science that supports inclusion of children with disabilities in early childhood programs from the earliest ages;
    • Reinforces the legal foundations supporting inclusion in early childhood;
    • Reiterates and updates recommendations for State and local agencies that implement Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) programs, Head Start, child care, home visiting, preschools, and public schools for increasing inclusive early learning opportunities for all children;
    • Updates models and exemplars of inclusion; and
    • Identifies and shares resources for States, LEAs, early childhood programs, schools, early intervention providers, early childhood personnel, and families to support high-quality individualized programming and inclusion of children with disabilities in early childhood programs.
    •  Early CHOICES created this brief overview in the following languages: English, Español (Spanish), العربية (Arabic), Français (French), 日本語 (Japanese), Polski (Polish), andاردو (Urdu).
  • OSEP Dear Colleague Letter on Preschool Least Restrictive Environments (LRE) January 9, 2017 The Dear Colleague letter (DCL) published by the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) reaffirms the U.S. Department of Education’s position that “all young children with disabilities should have access to inclusive high-quality early childhood programs where they are provided with individualized and appropriate supports to enable them to meet high expectations”

  • The Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center has the federal requirements of IDEA , The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Head Start Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 compiled for easy reference. While not mentioned in IDEA, federal regulations support inclusion, showing a preference for serving children with disabilities in community settings and with typically developing peers.

  • The Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center has the federal requirements of IDEA , The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Head Start Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 compiled for easy reference. While not mentioned in IDEA, federal regulations support inclusion, showing a preference for serving children with disabilities in community settings and with typically developing peers.

  • Early CHOICES has put together a reference document on Rights and Protections For Preschoolers with Disabilities and Developmental Delays and Their Families.  We also have this available in the following languages: العربية (Arabic), 中文 (Chinese), Français (French), 日本語 (Japanese), Polski (Polish), Español (Spanish) and اردو (Urdu).

National Early Childhood Organizations Supporting Inclusion

National Association for the Education of Young Children

NAEYC Developmentally Appropriate Practices position statement and book reflect new research that underscores the importance of social, cultural, and historical contexts of development and elevates the need for active engagement through play, exploration, and inquiry in ways that support the whole child.

DEC/NAEYC Joint Position Statement

A Joint Position Statement of the Division for Early Childhood (DEC) and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)  on Early Childhood Inclusion was written in 2009.  The statement has a definition of inclusion and recommendations.

DEC Recommended Practices

The DEC Recommended Practices bridges the gap between research and practice, offering guidance to parents and professionals who work with young children who have or are at risk for developmental delays or disabilities.