General Resources

Featured Materials

Models of Inclusion and Natural Environment Stories

Spotlight on California: Creative Inclusion Program Options
The SEEDS Project developed the following stories to highlight the efforts of four preschool programs providing exemplary models of system change efforts to increase inclusive options for young children with disabilities. The stories provide a glimpse into the process by which each program generated new ideas to influence change in their communities serving young children. Although each program offers a distinct approach to increasing inclusive opportunities in their locales, there are key indicators evident across programs. With the interagency collaborative approach as a framework, the stories that unfold capture each program’s people and efforts to better serve all children in California communities. These considerations are reflective of interagency collaborative practices (Interagency Collaboration Handbook, 2007).

• Zaca Preschool ( PDF; 886k; 7pp.)
  Santa Barbara County Education Office Preschool Program, Private Preschool Model (2009)
  
  
• Santa Clara County Inclusive Collaborative ( PDF; 369k; 8pp.)
  Blended Organizational Model (2009)
  
  
• Napa County Office of Education ( PDF; 336k; 10pp.)
  Early Childhood Services Department — A Blended COE Model (2009)

Websites

• Inclusion Collaborative
  Focuses on successful inclusion of children with special needs in child care, preschool programs and the community through education, advocacy and awareness.
  
  
• Policy Statement on Inclusion of Children with Disabilities in Early Childhood Programs
  The U.S. Departments of Education (ED) and Health and Human Services (HHS) 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.
  
  
• Desired Results access Project
  Supports special educators, administrators, and families in implementing the California Department of Education’s Desired Results Assessment System.
  

Videos

• How Brains are Built: The Core Story of Brain Development
  
  
• Santa Barbara County Education Office - ZACA Center
  Learn about how one program addressed the need for inclusive options in their community. Includes a history, overview and perspectives from the Assistant Superintendent, Director, Teacher and a parent.