Policy Statement on Inclusion of Children With Disabilities in Early Childhood Programs

This week the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services and Education released a policy statement highlighting the importance of making sure that all young children with disabilities have access to inclusive high-quality early childhood programs. The policy statement sets a vision for States, local education agencies, schools, and public and private early childhood programs to strengthen and increase the number of inclusive high-quality early childhood programs nationwide. As the country continues to move forward on the critical task of expanding access to high-quality early childhood programs for all young children, it is imperative that children with disabilities be included in these efforts.

You can find more information about the policy statement here and can read the full policy statement attached. The policy statement and executive summary will also be posted on the Early Childhood Development Web site.

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Office of Child Care

Administration for Children and Families

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Aerospace Building, Fifth Floor East

370 L’Enfant Promenade, S.W.

Washington, DC 20447

General office number: (202) 690-6782

Fax: (202) 690-5600

General e-mail: occ@acf.hhs.gov

Web site: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/occ