Introduction: Instructional Practices for an Inclusive Early Childhood Education
This online resource was developed by the Maryland State Department of Education for IEP or Extended IFSP teams including families, early education and care community personnel, referral sources and agencies serving young children with disabilities. The module highlights best practice for effective decision making by IEP or Extended IFSP teams in Maryland in determining the LRE/NE for children with disabilities, ages 3 through K.
The following topics are covered in Instructional practices for an Inclusive Early Childhood Education:
Part I: Educational practices that apply to all learners in early childhood settings
Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP)
- Principles of DAP
- Keys to embedding DAP in early childhood settings
Universal Design
- Principles of Universal Design applied to early learning environments
- Universal Design for Learning
- Universally designed toys
Promoting the social and emotional development of all children
- Create a supportive social environment for forming friendships
- Facilitate opportunities for interactions with peers
- Prompt children to engage in positive social interaction
Part II: Specialized interventions for preschool children with disabilities
Embedded adaptations
- Environmental adaptations
- Activities and routines adaptations
- Materials adaptations
- Task and instructional adaptations
Focused social support
- Peer Supports
- Social Stories
- Positive Behavior Support
