Resources
- Evidence-Based Practices - The resources provided here are supported by research and evidence. Topics include assessment, child development, curriculum & instruction, family involvement, inclusion, and transition.
- State/Federal Organizations - This page provides national and state level initiatives and organizations relevant to early childhood special education.
Showing Results 151 - 200 of 221
Description: Foundations of Coaching in Early Childhood: Partnering with Parents and Professionals is a video training resource for early childhood coaches, based on the 5 key characteristics of coaching as outlined by Dathan Rush and M'Lisa Shelden. These characteristics can be applied to a number of early childhood settings. Chapters include: Chapter 1: What is Coaching? Chapter 2: Joint Planning Chapter 3: Observation Chapter 4: Action/Practice Chapter 5: Reflection Chapter 6: Feedback Chapter 7: The...
Description: Recorded webinar from the National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations: Distance coaching has been an option to address challenges in finding time and opportunities to meet. These challenges are especially evident in family childcare and rural settings. Due to our country’s recent events, many coaches are finding ways to do their coaching from a distance. We discuss distance coaching as one way to address this issue. We also discuss the successes and challenges of distance coaching...
Description: This module, a DEC-recommended resource, includes information on how to create developmentally appropriate behavior rules for early childhood classrooms so that they link to a given school's behavior expectations. The importance of communication with families about rules and expected behaviors is also stressed (est. completion time: 1.5 hours).
Description: From the National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations: Positive Behavior Support describes the approach used to provide intensive individualized interventions to individual children with challenging behavior. This website provides information and resources for the use of Positive Behavior Support in the design of effective interventions for individual children with persistent challenging behavior. including the Positive Behavior Support Process: Six Steps for Implementing Positive...
Description: Since it is critical to have knowledge of child development for children ages two to five, there are two webshops on understanding age expectations. Anyone who needs a better understanding of child development should begin with these two webshops: Online Module: Understanding Age Expectations: Birth to 3 - A Guide for Virginia's Early Childhood Special Educators Estimated time to complete: 50 minutes "Understanding Age Expectations: Birth to 3 – A Guide for Virginia’s Early Childhood...
Description: Screening, evaluation and assessment are distinct processes with different purposes under the provisions of Part C and Part B. Screening includes activities to identify children who may need further evaluation in order to determine the existence of a delay in development or a particular disability. Evaluation is used to determine the existence of a delay or disability, to identify the child's strengths and needs in all areas of development. Assessment is used to determine the individual...
Description: From the Head Start ECLKC site: The Relationship-based Competencies (RBCs) are based on research and recommended practice across many fields working with families from pregnancy through the early childhood years. These fields include: Early care and education Early intervention Infant mental health Child welfare Maternal and child health Pediatrics Social work Psychology Topics include: Relationship-Based Competencies for Early Childhood Professionals Who Work With Children in Group Care...
Description: This training is a self-paced online course. The course is provided as a collaboration between the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Autism Center for Education (ACE) and the Virginia Autism Council. To participate, you need a computer with (preferably high-speed) internet access, Adobe Flash Player software within your browser, and a sound card with speakers in order to listen to the lectures (full text transcripts are provided for all lectures and multimedia). Course Overview Autism...
Description: This guide highlights 5 key practices for teachers and families to support all students, including students with disabilities, at school and home. For each practice, the guide provides (a) tips for teachers to support students with disabilities during instruction; (b) tips for families that educators can share to support or enhance learning at home, especially during periods of remote instruction; and (c) free-access resources that include strategies shown to be effective by research (e.g.,...
Description: The Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning (CSEFEL) is focused on promoting the social emotional development and school readiness of young children birth to age 5. The Promoting Social and Emotional Competence training modules available on this site provide evidence-based practices for promoting children's social and emotional development and preventing challenging behaviors.
Description: Virginia Commonwealth University-Autism Center for Education, VCU-ACE, is continuing to provide resources for families. VCU-ACE provides an opportunity for parents to join us for Lunch and Learn. An interactive and secure Zoom meeting that will address different topics each week. There will be a short presentation with a time for Q&A.
Description: Indicator 7: Child Outcomes is an accountability measure focused on the improved performance of preschool children with disabilities. OSEP requires states to measure and report on the percentage of preschoolers with IEPs who, between the time they enter and exit early childhood special education services, demonstrate improved: positive social-emotional skills, acquisition and use of knowledge and skills, and use of appropriate behaviors to meet their needs. To accurately and systematically...
Description: This is a resource document for teachers to use to help create individualized daily/weekly lessons for students with early childhood aged children with disabilities. The lesson ideas in the sections are divided into functional activities associated with time of day (morning, afternoon, evening). The teacher and parent should work together to select activities that will help meet the needs of the individual student. When possible, links are provided to virtual resources and general resources...
Description: VAAEYC serves Virginia early educators with local public policy support, accreditation support, professional development, and connections. Our Mission VAAEYC acts and speaks on behalf of all young children in Virginia. Our Vision All children will grow up valued, respected and provided with the nurturing and resources necessary to ensure their optimal development.
Description: When general education students and students with special needs play together, it breaks down unconscious biases about disability and fosters relationships. A powerful video from a California school that demonstrates inclusion on the playground.
Description: The VCPD Inclusive Practices Task Force has compiled a list of state and national resources in support of inclusive practices for young children birth to age five. The "VCPD Inclusive Practices State and National Resources November 2019" includes awareness and rationale, evaluation of inclusive programs, high quality inclusive practices, and systems level supports. Websites, books, and technical assistance center resources are described. If you cannot locate it through the link below, search for...
Description: From the big picture to the nitty gritty, learn more about CLASS® (Classroom Assessment Scoring System) from their free resources. This section includes: Webinars Videos Info sheets Research Case studies Crosswalks E-books Tutorials
Description: Preschool refers to the time before a child is old enough to go to kindergarten or elementary school. In Virginia, preschoolers who are eligible for special education and related services are entitled to placement in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) alongside their peers without disabilities with supplementary aids and services. Inclusion in early childhood programs is supported through years of research and reinforced by a strong legal foundation and can set a trajectory for...
Description: Virginia Child Count, 2018* Children with IEPs, Ages Two-Five In 2013, approximately 17,250 children In 2014, approximately 17,350 children In 2015, approximately 17,600 children In 2016, approximately 18,500 children In 2017, approximately 19,200 children In 2018, approximately 19,800 children- An increase of 620 children from 2017 Children with IEPs, by Age Ages 0-2: 1,038 children with IEPs (an increase of 110 children (15%) from 2017) Age 3: 4,309 children with IEPs Age 4: 6,485 children...
Description: This online module from the ECTA Center addresses strategies to engage parents in activities to build their competence and confidence in providing learning opportunities for their child. The module is divided into 4 lessons ranging from 10-15 min. each, and includes short video demonstrations, checks a learner's understanding through a variety of interactive formats, and; includes a family capacity-building checklist for self-assessment or planning home visits.
Description: Foundations of Coaching in Early Childhood: Partnering with Parents and Professionals is a video training resource for early childhood coaches, based on the 5 key characteristics of coaching as outlined by Dathan Rush and M'Lisa Shelden. These characteristics can be applied to a number of early childhood settings. The video features an early interventionist and family, as well as other types of coaches and coachees. (This video series was created by the following partners: Hartford...
Description: This resource is designed to help division level personnel increase the fidelity of the COS process. Child Outcome Summary Process Self-Assessment - This tool is a self-assessment intended to be used by division personnel involved in the OSEP Child Outcomes Summary process. It can be used by individuals or as part of a peer review process to reflect upon the extent to which the process used by the program meets the quality expectations of the state.
Description: The Indicator 7 Technical Assistance Document was updated in 2025 to assist school divisions to implement the COS process with fidelity. Support documents include the COS Summary Form, COS Decision Tree, COS Summary Rating Guide, and COS Process Discussion Prompts. Indicator 7: Child Outcomes Summary Process Technical Assistance Document - The purpose is to assist school divisions to implement the COS process with fidelity. Indicator 7: Child Outcomes Summary Process Technical...
Description: According to Regulations Governing Special Education Programs for Children with Disabilities in Virginia, Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) means that to the maximum extent appropriate, children with disabilities, including children in public or private institutions or other care facilities, are educated with children who are not disabled, and that special classes, separate schooling or other removal of children with disabilities from the regular educational environment occurs only when...
Description: Sign It! is an innovative new online curriculum for learning American Sign Language (ASL). The instruction is done by professional actors (both deaf and hearing) who are fluent in ASL and is highly interactive, entertaining, and engaging. You can complete the lessons at your own pace. Built-in quizzes provide feedback about how well you are learning the material, and there is ample opportunity for practice. You'll see video vignettes showing conversational ASL, interviews with deaf celebrities,...
Description: Data are from the December 1, 2017 Child Count unless noted otherwise. Child Count by Age Total Children with Individualized Education Programs Ages 2-5 as of December 1, 2017: 19,224 Total Children with Individualized Education Programs Ages 2-5 as of December 1, 2016: 18,504 (Approximately 3.5% increase) Total Children with Individualized Education Programs Ages 3-5 as of December 1, 2017: 18,296 Total Children with Individualized Education Programs Age 2 as of December 1,...
Description: VDSS is one of the largest Commonwealth agencies, partnering with 120 local departments of social services, along with faith-based and non-profit organizations, to promote the well-being of children and families statewide. We proudly serve alongside 1,650 (state) and 8,500 (local) human services professionals throughout the Social Services System, who ensure that thousands of Virginia's most vulnerable citizens have access to the best services and benefits available to them.
Description: Three webinars on Indicator 6 provide information on reporting requirements for Early Childhood Special Education Settings for Special Education Administrators, Preschool Special Education Coordinators, and others responsible for oversight of Early Childhood Special Education programs. Understanding Indicator 6: Early Childhood Special Education Settings for Children Ages Birth-Five provides an overview of the reporting requirements. Understanding the Indicator 6 Terminology: Early Childhood...
Description: Supporting transitions can have positive effects on children and families, and collaboration is key to effective transition. Each brief in this series focuses on a different partnership level: the child and family, early educators, early care and education (ECE) programs, and ECE partners. The Head Start Program Performance Standards outline transition requirements in 1302 Subpart G—Transition Services.
Description: Virginia Family Special Education Connection provides a one-stop-shop for parents, families and caregivers of children with special needs to: Access local school system contacts and disability services in your community Explore an abundance of resources, including assistive technology and behavioral supports to help your child succeed. Learn about and plan your child's educational program Understand your legal rights and responsibilities POWER (Parent Organizer with Educational...
Description: What you do and say matters! Explore and practice everyday strategies to develop Positive Goal-Oriented Relationships with a family. These relationships are key to our work with children and families, including the journey toward school readiness. Simulation 1 allows you to practice building bonds with families, beginning with an intake visit. Simulation 2 explores the process of developing and implementing goals with families. Simulation 3 explores using strengths-based attitudes to partner...
Description: Many collaborative strategies, sample interagency agreements, planning tools, and funding sources exist to assist states and communities in providing inclusive preschool special education services. Included within the Preschool Inclusion Finance Toolkit 2018 are the following: Early Childhood Programs Comparison Worksheet Determining Costs Inclusive Worksheet Braiding Funds: How Districts Can Create Inclusive Placement Opportunities for Young Children with Disabilities
Description: A new technical assistance report, Braiding, Blending, and Layering Funding Sources to Increase Access to Quality Preschool (2017), discusses a number of strategies for braiding, blending or layering various funding sources to provide comprehensive, inclusive early learning programs for young children and their families. It includes interviews with local school district, Head Start, and child care administrators discussing how they are making it work in their programs.
Description: Age-expected Child Development from Birth to Five Years Resource list- This document provides a list of resources providing different kinds of information about age-expected skills and behaviors observed in children from birth to five years. Additional resources may be found on the Outcomes section of the ECTA Center website (http://ectacenter.org/eco/index.asp) under Training Resources.
Description: The Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Autism Center for Education (ACE) is funded by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) and the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS). Our mission is to build state-wide capacity to improve outcomes of individuals with ASD by improving the knowledge, skills and understanding of families, educators, and professionals who support someone with a spectrum disorder. (VCU ACE)
Description: This position statement jointly created by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the Division for Early Childood (DEC) of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) was published in 2009. It defines early childhood inclusion and clarifies what is meant by access, participation, and supports. Look for "Inclusion (April 2009) to find the position statement in English and Spanish as well as an executive summary.
Description: The ZERO TO THREE Policy Center is also delighted to announce the release of a new planning tool, Expanding Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Supports and Services: A Planning Tool for States and Communities. This new resource provides a set of questions that can help to: inform and organize cross-system, multi-sector planning efforts; inventory existing resources, policies, and programs; identify gaps and missing linkages; and align policy with best practice. This action-oriented...
Description: In October, 2016, ten states convened around the topic of infant and early childhood mental health (IECMH), with a specific focus on strategies to improve assessment, diagnosis and treatment. Teams from Alaska, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Virginia participated, as well as a team of expert contributors from Minnesota. The summary of proceedings from that work, Aligning Policy and Practice: Mental Health Assessment and Treatment of...
Description: The new ZERO TO THREE publication, “Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation: Policies and Practices to Foster the Social-Emotional Development of Young Children” provides an overview of early childhood mental health consultation (ECMHC), current issues in the field, and possible future directions. The paper also provides a snapshot of current programs across the nation and highlights some of the challenges and innovations that are shaping the field. Thirteen states are profiled,...
Description: Included in this video clip directory are a series of video clips that have been carefully vetted and selected by staff from the Center for Advanced Study of Teaching and Learning (CASTL). Video clips on specific topics can be narrowed down using the categories on the left. Please note: The links below direct you to a website not associated with the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Education (VDOE). The VDOE does not necessarily endorse the views expressed or the data and facts presented...
Description: Hyperactive, non-compliant, and disruptive behaviors in the classroom are often challenges for early childhood educators, regardless of whether a young child is diagnosed with ADHD or not. Understanding the rationale for and principles of behavior management and self-regulation approaches can help you support positive development for young children with challenging behaviors using evidence-based strategies. This "Ask the Expert" video is full of information and strategies that you may find...
Description: TTAC ONLINE IS: A web-based community linking people and resources to help children and youth with disabilities (birth to 22). Available 24/7 to teachers, other professionals and families. A place to search a wide range of resources by age level, category, disability area, or topic. Categorized into VA Projects, VA Assessments, Disability Info, Resources, Events and Online Training. Sponsored by the Virginia Department of Education.
Description: A variety of one hour professional development archived webinars focused on early intervention and early childhood topics. These are hosted by the Division for Early Childhood and can be purchased $35.00 for non-DEC members; $25.00 for DEC members.
Description: A DaSy resource features short videos (2-3 minutes) describing some of the ways that key stakeholders are using data in their work to support children with disabilities and their families. Hear how important data are to program staff, data managers, coordinators, families, and more. The Perspectives on Data Use videos were part of the 2016 Improving Data, Improving Outcomes conference closing plenary session.
Description: The Virginia Federation of the Council for Exceptional Children (VA CEC) has been active since 1958. We have continued in CEC's mission of excellence by adding local resources for teachers, administrators, parents and other special education professionals. Resources include state and regional conferences and workshops, VA CEC Newsletters, and other professional development support. We also advocate for individuals with disabilities, their families, and their...
Description: The National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) improves the learning and development of young children by producing and communicating knowledge that transforms policy and practice. We collaborate with a network of local, state, national, and international leaders to design, conduct, and disseminate rigorous research, evaluation, and policy analysis. NIEER also helps prepare the next generation of inspirational leaders and researchers in early education.
Description: DaSy’s Communities of Practice (CoPs) offer state Part C and Part B 619 staff an opportunity to share lessons learned and promising practices in their work related to early intervention and preschool special education data and data systems. Through these communities, DaSy hopes to engage states, provide expert facilitation, and develop resources that will benefit both the immediate participants of the CoP and other states that face similar challenges.
Description: This is the Virginia Department of Education webpage for information on State Regulations for Special Education Programs. You can find specific regulations, fast facts, and procedural safeguard information on this site.
Description: The DaSy Center is a national technical assistance center funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). DaSy works with states to support IDEA early intervention and early childhood special education state programs in the development or enhancement of coordinated early childhood longitudinal data systems. DaSy provides technical assistance (TA) and resources to state agencies to assist with the development or enhancement of data systems for Part C early...
Description: States, communities, and local providers are using data to serve the needs of children and families participating in early childhood programs (e.g., Head Start, child care, preschool). Data sharing can support efficient, effective services for children. However, the benefits of data sharing and use must be balanced with the need to support privacy. To support this, the U.S. Department of Education Privacy Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) has assembled the following resources about privacy...