Young children vary in their skills, knowledge, backgrounds, and abilities. Effective teaching requires individualized teaching and chances to learn for all children to access, participate, and thrive in early learning settings. Individualizing for children who need more support helps ensure effective teaching for children with disabilities and other special needs across all the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework domains. Using children’s Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) and Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals is part of effective teaching, individualizing, and creating environments to support children’s positive outcomes.
Review the requirements for developing interagency agreements with the local agency responsible for implementing Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to improve service delivery to children with disabilities.
Head Start programs must provide information and skill-building opportunities to help parents understand their child’s disability and become advocates to best support their child’s development.
Review standards for providing services to children during Individuals with Disabilities Education Act eligibility determination and through an Individualized Education Program or Individualized Family Service Plan.
Programs must ensure enrolled children with disabilities and their families receive all services delivered in the least restrictive possible environment and that they fully participate in all program activities.
Head Start programs that provide transportation services must ensure its buses or allowable alternate vehicles are adapted or designed for children with disabilities, as necessary.