Understanding Inclusion

The Understanding Inclusion series contains 6 topics that explore key ideas about inclusion in early childhood. The series covers a range of topics from defining inclusion to understanding the benefits to advocating for inclusion. Developed for families with family input, it is just as meaningful and useful for practitioners working with families who have children from birth to 5.

In each module topic, a topic guide is available for reflecting and applying what you learn to your own experience. The guide also has additional resources to explore the topic further.

We hope this series supports you on your journey of inclusion and provides you with resources that you can share and build upon.

See the final tab for information on receiving credit.

Please share this infographic in English and Spanish with interested families and providers.

The overview includes information on how to navigate the modules.

Inclusion is defined and the positive outcomes for children with and without disabilities are shared.

This module discusses the Least Restrictive Environment (the LRE), how it relates to inclusion, and what the law says about the LRE for children with a disability.

Topics covered include: the strong preference in the law for inclusion, the federal and state policies, and recommended practices that support inclusion

Topic 4 explains how inclusion adds value to the preschool setting for all children.

Inclusion is natural; explore how we can support inclusion for all children.

Investigate how inclusive practices can be implemented in an early childhood setting and when to advocate for your child’s inclusive education.

This module shares tips, reminders, and inspiration to help you on your journey with inclusion.

Find includes additional resources and share your feedback through an evaluation.

If you are seeking Early Intervention credit you must register with Early Intervention Training Program at the University of Illinois and complete the training in Moodle.

If you would like 2.0 hours of Gateways or ISBE PEL credit you must complete this quiz with 80% accuracy and demographic information so we can issue credit.  We will issue credit on the 15th of each month so it may take a few weeks before you receive the credit. ISBE PEL and Gateways credit is issued to individuals once every 3 years.

We would appreciate it if you took a few minutes to provide Feedback here . The feedback you provide allows us to improve and create more modules like this one.

* Illinois school districts are welcome to use these module for professional learning and provide their own professional educator licensure (PEL) credit.

Topic guides are revised here for practitioners to use within teams or individually.