Inclusion
From the Department of Public Instruction (DPI)
DPI special education webpages on Inclusive Strategies to Address Behavioral Needs: This website provides a comprehensive professional learning series focused on inclusive strategies to address the behavioral needs of students with IEPs. It offers educators and stakeholders essential resources to develop equitable and culturally competent practices, ranging from examining adult biases and mindsets to building strong, healthy relationships with students.
Meaningful Inclusion in Early Childhood: This video describes the benefits children receive when all children are meaningfully included in their early care & education environment & reaffirms the field’s position on providing special education services in the child’s natural environment.
From the Department of Children and Families (DCF)
What is Early Childhood Inclusion?: The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families provides a comprehensive framework for early childhood inclusion, defined as the right of all children to fully participate in natural learning environments regardless of their abilities. The webpage has resources categorized into “The Defining Features of Inclusion” and “Your Program as a Culture of Inclusion.”
Inclusion Trainings: DCF created “Inclusion Trainings and Presentations” are available for the purpose of informing, supporting, and assisting the important work that child care programs are doing to include children with disabilities and other special needs.
Early Childhood Inclusion: Tip Sheets: A comprehensive collection of resources designed to promote early childhood inclusion for infants and toddlers with diverse needs. These materials emphasize that every child, regardless of their physical or cognitive abilities, deserves to be a full participant in their community and family life. The source offers a series of educational tip sheets that guide caregivers and educators on adapting play environments, managing challenging behaviors, and fostering positive social interactions.
Supporting Neurodiverse Students: This statewide professional learning system provides learning opportunities to support educators and families serving students with disability-related needs in the area of social and emotional learning (SEL). Included in the webpage are Quick Bites (videos explaining key topics) and a link to schedule a consultation with an expert on behavior.
Head Start Center for Inclusion: The Head Start Center for Inclusion offers a comprehensive collection of resources designed to help early childhood educators integrate students with disabilities into general learning environments. These materials focus on evidence-based practices, providing specialized tools like training packages, curriculum modifications, and visual aids to foster an inclusive atmosphere.
Early Childhood Inclusion: A Joint Position Statement of the Division for Early Childhood (DEC) and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC): The joint position statement from the DEC and NAEYC provides a formal framework for defining early childhood inclusion. It outlines a vision where all children, regardless of their physical or cognitive abilities, are afforded a sense of belonging and the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Early Childhood Technical Assistance (ECTA) Center: Inclusion: The ECTA Center serves as a comprehensive resource hub dedicated to advancing high-quality inclusion for young children with disabilities from birth through age eight. By providing national indicators and strategic tools, the center assists state and local administrators in developing coordinated service systems that meet federal requirements. Visitors can access a wide array of research, policy statements, and multimedia content.
HHS-ED Policy Statement on the Inclusion of Children with Disabilities in Early Childhood Programs: This joint policy statement from the U.S. Departments of Education and Health and Human Services outlines a national vision for expanding inclusive early childhood programs for children with disabilities. It emphasizes that starting inclusion at birth fosters better academic, social, and emotional outcomes for all students while establishing a foundation for lifelong societal participation.
U.S. Departments of Health & Human Services (HHS) and Education (ED) Joint Policy Statement on Expulsion & Suspension Policies: This policy statement aims to support families, early childhood programs, and States by providing recommendations from the U.S. Departments of Health & Human Services (HHS) and Education (ED) for preventing and severely limiting expulsion and suspension practices in early childhood settings.
The Center for Inclusive Childcare’s Resource Library: The Center for Inclusive Child Care provides an extensive resource library designed to support early childhood educators, leaders, and families. This digital repository features a diverse collection of instructional materials, including self-study courses, podcasts, tip sheets, and specialized toolkits.
Updated 4/24/2026