Contacts
Breana Marino
Early Learning Liaison, Inclusion
bmarino@solanocoe.net
(707) 339-4471
Early Learning Inclusion & IEEEP
Early Childhood Inclusion supports the rights of every child, regardless of his or her ability, to fully participate in school and community. Including children with disabilities in early childhood programs, together with their peers without disabilities, has a positive impact on every child’s development. By holding high expectations, encouraging participation in all learning and social activities, providing intentional individualized accommodations, and using evidence-based supports to foster each child’s development, all children can thrive in inclusive environments. Early Childhood Inclusion provides children with a sense of belonging and membership, positive social relationships and friendships, and development and learning to reach each child’s full potential. Inclusion creates an environment where all children can grow, learn, and flourish.
The Inclusion Early Education Expansion Program (IEEEP) grant plans to increase access to inclusive early learning and care programs for children with disabilities, including children with severe disabilities.
Professional learning opportunities are designed to enhance early childhood programs with the foundational understanding and knowledge of early childhood inclusion and supporting children with special needs. Through these trainings, Early Childhood Educators will be supported to create successful inclusion opportunities for all young children.
Resources are provided to sites to improve the accessibility of playground equipment to support and meet the needs of all children at the program. Sites receiving facilities resources are changing the bark in the playground to a solid material that is easier for children with disabilities to navigate. An inclusive playground helps all children participate in outdoor play and provides children with physical benefits as well as the chance to practice the social skills developed through peer interactions.
- Benicia Unified School District
- Catalyst Kids, Inc. (Formerly Continuing Development, Inc.)
- Child Start, Inc.
- Circle of Friends
- Family Child Care Homes
- Solano Community College
- Vacaville Unified School District
- Vallejo City Unified School District
Solano County Office of Education will provide each participating classroom with Universal Design for Learning (UDL) classroom kits to support access and participation of children with special needs in their classrooms. Each kit will include materials that support access and participation in gross motor, fine motor, social-emotional, and sensory activities.
What is Universal Design for Learning? UDL is a way of thinking about teaching and learning that helps give all students an equal opportunity to succeed. The UDL approach offers flexibility in the way children access material, engage with it, and show what they know.
The Lending Library will aide sites in making accommodations to support all children in their classrooms. These items are available for sites to check-out and borrow based on the individual needs of the children and the classroom. This provides sites with the opportunity to try out materials before making a purchase. Items available for check-out may include:
- adaptive outdoor play equipment
- alternative seating options
- sensory items, etc.
