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. Using children’s Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) and Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals is part of effective teaching, individualizing, and creating inclusive environments to support children’s positive outcomes.

The field of early childhood special education embraces the philosophy of developmentally appropriate experiences in the least restrictive environment.   Students with disabilities have access and participate in general education curriculum (which includes appropriate support and services, as well as accommodations and modifications to ensure access and progress) The general curriculum is defined as the same curriculum that children without disabilities are using.

Children with Disabilities. (2019, August 13). Retrieved from https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/children-disabilities.

Cook, R. E., Richardson-Gibbs, A. M., Nielsen, L., & Klein, M. D. (2018). Strategies for including children with special needs in early childhood settings. Boston, MA, USA: Cengage Learning.