Recommended Resources

The Division for Early Childhood of the Council for Exceptional Children's Recommended Practices

The DEC Recommended Practices provide guidance to practitioners and families about the most effective ways to improve the learning outcomes and promote the development of young children, birth through age 5, who have or are at-risk for developmental delays or disabilities. Developed by the DEC Recommended Practices Commission.

UPDATED DEAR COLLEAGUE LETTER on Preschool Least Restrictive Environments (January 9, 2017)

This letter written on January 9, 2017 by the US Department of Education's Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services reaffirms the Department's position on Least Restrictive Environments under Part B of the IDEA, which includes preschool children.

Early Childhood Inclusion: Joint Position Statement

The Joint Position Statement of the Division for Early Childhood (DEC) and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)

Making Sound Preschool LRE Decisions: A Parent's Perspective

On this ECTA webpage, a short video with a parent's perspective on inclusion is presented along with guidance on a group activities and questions to pose to participants.

Least Restrictive Environment in Preschool and Continuum of Placements

This memorandum to District Special Educators and District Early Childhood Education Coordinators was delivered by Rebecca Davis, Director of the South Carolina Department of Education's Office of Special Education Services to serve as guidance on following the least restrictive environment (LRE) requirements under Part B of the IDEA with respect to preschool placements for young students with disabilities.

Why Inclusion Works Video Series (3 Videos)

Phil Strain’s short videos in common language promote inclusion based on research in English, Spanish, and Korean.

STEMIE: Innovation for Inclusion in Early Childhood

A center through UNC's Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute that promotes high-quality preschool inclusion and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) teaching and learning.

Say "Yes!" to Kids with Disabilities

Toolkit from Seattle PlayGarden with stories and strategies for including all kids in community activities, such as sports, zoos, playgrounds, etc.

Embedded Instruction: Tools for Early Learning

How to use embedded learning to support all children in the context of typical preschool environments