Biden-Harris Administration Announces Updated Resource to Support the Inclusion of Children with Disabilities in Early Childhood Programs

The U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services today announced the release of an updated joint-policy statement on supporting the inclusion of children with disabilities in early childhood programs. The joint statement sets the expectation that inclusion continues as a child transitions into elementary school, emphasizes the need to increase public awareness and understanding of the science that supports inclusion of children with disabilities in early childhood programs and reinforces the legal foundations that support inclusion. 

The HHS-ED Policy Statement on the Inclusion of Children with Disabilities in Early Childhood Programs includes a renewed commitment and urgency, as children with disabilities continue to face barriers accessing and fully participating in inclusive early childhood programs. 

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Creating Connections to Shining Stars (CCSS) 2024
Save the Date! Creating Connections to Shining Stars 2024 Creating Connections to Shining Stars is a collaborative effort between Virginia's Part C, Early Intervention and Part B, Early Childhood Special Education programs. The conference will focus on promoting and supporting the implementation of evidence-based practices in inclusive settings for infants, toddlers, and young children, both with and without disabilities.
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Registration Open! Considerations for a Smooth and Timely Transition from Part C to Part B Webinar
This webinar, presented by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services and the Department of Education, will provide information about the transition from Early Intervention Services (Part C) to Early Childhood Special Education (Part B). The webinar will discuss Federal and State regulations, decisions that can be determined locally, program eligibility, as well as tips for how the two systems can collaborate to support families and support a smooth and timely...
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VQB5 Quality Profile Preview Webinar
Starting in the fall of 2024, all publicly-funded early childhood programs in Virginia will receive an annual VQB5 quality profile which will include information about performance on measurements (i.e., quality rating results) and other topics of interest to families, policymakers, and the general public. On Tuesday, March 19 the VDOE will host a webinar to share ‘mock-ups’ of the new VQB5 Quality Profiles. Participants will have an opportunity to preview profile examples...
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Early Childhood Special Education Spring Updates Webinar
The Early Childhood Special Education Spring Updates webinar will provide information to help school divisions prepare for the 2024-2025 school year. The webinar will focus on state-level early childhood updates and will present the December 1, 2023 child count and indicator 6 draft data. Because VDOE will be sharing state- and division-level data, participants are encouraged to attend the virtual presentation. The individual(s) who has primary responsibility for ECSE programs from each division...
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Assistive Technology Devices and Services for Children With Disabilities Under the IDEA ("Dear Colleague Letter" & "Myths and Facts") U.S. Department of Education
The Office of Educational Technology and the Office of Special Education Programs are pleased to share the below guidance in support of children with disabilities who need assistive technology (AT) devices and services for meaningful access and engagement in education. A Dear Colleague Letter on the provision of assistive technology devices and services for children with disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Myths and Facts Surrounding Assistive Technology...
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VDOE TTAC ECSE CONTACTS

There are six Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) Training and Technical Assistance Centers (TTAC) across the Commonwealth of Virginia that serve professionals in their local areas. Want to know who your ECSE Contacts are? Read more iconClick to find out!
Creating Connections to Shining Stars

Save the Date: Creating Connections to Shining Stars (CCSS) 2024

7/16/2024 - 7/18/2024

Creating Connections to Shining Stars is a collaborative effort between Virginia's Part C, Early Intervention and Part B, Preschool Special Education programs. The conference will focus on promoting and supporting the implementation of evidence-based practices in inclusive settings for infants, toddlers, and young children, both with and without disabilities.

Readiness Connection Newsletter Sign-Up

The Readiness Connection, a newsletter for Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) professionals from the Virginia Department of Education, is sent out weekly. As we continue to move toward greater unification and shared ownership across agencies and funding streams, this newsletter includes statewide updates as well as program-specific information. Archived Readiness Connection newsletters can be found here.

To ensure you receive each issue, sign up here to receive weekly updates from VDOE on early childhood news and updates.

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