Professional Development on Inclusion eNews, December 2007
A regular email newsletter and update from the National Professional Development Center on Inclusion
December 2007
Take Our Poll!
Does your state’s quality rating system for child care programs
include dimensions of quality related to serving children with
disabilities?
Results of Previous Poll
Our most recent poll asked: Does your state have a definition of inclusion (yes, no, or not sure)? The results indicated that a majority of respondents were uncertain or did not believe that their state had an agreed upon definition of inclusion (79%). NPDCI is in the process of updating the current definition and position statement on inclusion last endorsed by the Division for Early Childhood (DEC) of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) in 1996. We have started soliciting ideas for the statement through facilitated discussions at conferences and meetings. Watch future newsletters for opportunities to exchange knowledge around the inclusion definition. We value your input on this!
Welcome to our Community of Practice on Professional Development and Inclusion
Pose a Question - Share a Challenge - Contribute Ideas - Join a Discussion
NPDCI is building a Community of Practice (CoP) that includes all who have expressed an interest in our work. We envision this CoP growing over time and being: (1) an opportunity to create shared knowledge of system issues, policies and practice around professional development and inclusion; (2) a method of refining, improving products, policies, systems, and practice; (3) a forum for individual or group presentations of dilemmas, successes, observations, and experiences; and (4) an exchange between colleagues who have similar goals or challenges. We are encouraging interaction among CoP members through ongoing dialogue via phone conferences and web areas, web-supported events, and face-to-face interactions when possible. Upcoming activities of our CoP include two webinars: January 14, 2008 (3:00-4:30 pm Eastern Time) and March 11, 2008 (3:00-5:00 pm Eastern Time). Learn more about these upcoming events and register for the webinars at http://community.fpg.unc.edu/npdci .
2008 NPDCI State Applications
Do leaders in your state want support in building plans for collaborative, cross-sector, professional development? Would your state benefit from a close look at how personnel are being prepared to educate and support young children in inclusive settings? Consider submitting an application to become part of NPDCI’s work with states. NPDCI will be selecting four new states in 2008. Guidance for preparing to submit an application is already on the NPDCI website at http://community.fpg.unc.edu/npdci .
In the Media – Response to Wall Street Journal Article
Recently Pam Winton, Director of the NPDCI project, responded to a November 27th Wall Street Journal article, entitled “Parents of Disabled Students Push for Separate Classes”. Her response emphasized that children do benefit from inclusive education when it is provided with the necessary supports and resources. See her response, related resources, and participate in discussion on this topic at http://community.fpg.unc.edu/news/npdci-responds-to-wall-street-journal-article .
Mark Your Calendars
8th Annual Early Childhood Inclusion Institute: July 22-24, 2008
The Early Childhood Inclusion Institute is the premier educational opportunity for anyone involved in the care and education of children birth through age five with special needs in inclusive settings. Attendees will learn about the latest research findings and resources to guide inclusive policy, professional development and practice; develop collaborative relationships and cross-agency systems to support early childhood inclusion; gain awareness of strategies and models to support inclusive services; and have the opportunity to meet, learn from and problem solve with peers.
NPDCI is a project of FPG Child Development Institute (FPG). Since 1966, FPG research, outreach, and service have shaped how the nation cares for and educates young children
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