Inclusion in Head Start and Early Head Start Programs

EHS is often the bridge between Part B and Part C and between parents and Part B/Part C agencies. We are constantly looking at our processes and roles and responsibilities with regards to referral, integration of IFSP/IEP goals and communication. We have used the SpecialQuest inclusion checklist to guide our discussions and formalize our procedures. We have established interagency agreements between HS and Part B/PArt C, but more importantly have worked to establish relationships with contact people from other agencies. I'm interested to hear how other programs make their agreements/relationships work.

Ann,
It's so exciting to see how your program is fostering communication and teamwork across agencies to support children who have disabilities and their families! I'm glad to hear that the Inclusion Planning Checklist from SpecialQuest has been a helpful tool in this process. If you are not already familiar with it, you might be interested in the revised version of the Inclusion Planning Checklist. The revised version also incorporates aspects of planning that are unique to preschool-age children who are receiving Part B services. You can find it at www.specialquestlibrary.org on the Supplements page.

I, too, am curious to know about how others are bridging systems and building relationships to create opportunities for young children with disabilities to receive high quality inclusive services. How do you go about planning for inclusion?

Everyone is so internet, e-mail focused, we (at my agency)have decided to head back to the phone and face to face contacts and relationships to support children and families from all early intervention programs, into Head Start. We are seeing a positive effect.

Michele,

Can you tell us more about what positive results you are seeing with the "voice-to-voice" and face-to face communications?

Susan

We are seeing an increase in the number of children being referred from early-on and other early intervention programs to Head Start. An increase in the number of children we service that begin the school year with either an IFSP or IEP through their local EA. Early intervention staff have an increased awareness of Head Start, our enrollment process and our classroom daily routine to share with potential parents.

Michelle brings up a good point. Something we have to remember to do... in person outreach and explanation of our program and enrollment process. Sending brochures or links to our website is not enough.

It definitely has worked for us. If anyone else has ideas that worked for your agency, please share. I am always willing to try new things.

Michele, that is such a good point. The "face to face" connections are so important. When I worked at the program level I used to give "Lunch and Learn" invitations to our Part C partners. During these sessions I provided all the information about the program and introduced them to our staff. I prepared handouts with FAQ's about the program, and, if possible, would give them a tour of the center. This was such a positive activity, and we created very successful partnerships at that time...thanks for the reminder!

Susan, thanks for the link to your Inclusion Planning Checklist, I find that the materials on your website are wonderful, and very easy to adapt/implement. Another website I'd like to recommend in this area is the headstartinclusion.org, this is a new Head Start funded project that offers current and practical resources. You may also find links to their materials and other projects at http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/ecdh/Disabilities