Inclusion & Special Needs
Supporting Every Child Through Inclusive Early Learning
High-quality early childhood programs create welcoming, inclusive environments where every child can learn, grow, and thrive. Explore trusted organizations that provide guidance, research, training, and resources to support children with diverse abilities and developmental needs.
Division for Early Childhood (DEC)
Website: https://www.dec-sped.org
Focus
Promotes policies and evidence-based practices that support young children with disabilities and developmental delays.
Best For
- Teachers
- Directors
- Early Intervention Professionals
- Inclusion Specialists
Resources Available
- Recommended Practices
- Professional Development
- Conferences
- Publications
- Family Resources
Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (ECTA)
Website: https://ectacenter.org
Focus
Supports states and early childhood programs in implementing high-quality early intervention and preschool special education services.
Best For
- Program Leaders
- Teachers
- Early Intervention Providers
Resources Available
- Technical Assistance
- Inclusion Resources
- Professional Development
- Family Resources
Center for Inclusive Child Care (CICC)
Website: https://www.inclusivechildcare.org
Focus
Provides practical strategies that help child care professionals successfully include children of all abilities in early learning environments.
Best For
- Teachers
- Directors
- Child Care Owners
Resources Available
- Inclusion Strategies
- Online Learning
- Fact Sheets
- Behavior Support Resources
- Family Resources
National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations (NCPMI)
Website: https://challengingbehavior.org
Focus
Supports social-emotional development and positive behavior through evidence-based practices for all young children.
Best For
- Teachers
- Directors
- Coaches
- Behavior Specialists
Resources Available
- Training Materials
- Coaching Resources
- Family Resources
- Behavior Support Tools
Devereux Center for Resilient Children (DCRC)
Website: https://centerforresilientchildren.org
Focus
Provides evidence-based tools that strengthen resilience, social-emotional development, and protective factors in young children.
Best For
- Teachers
- Directors
- Mental Health Consultants
Resources Available
- DECA Assessments
- Professional Development
- Classroom Strategies
- Family Resources
- Social-Emotional Learning
Understood
Website: https://www.understood.org
Focus
Supports children with learning and thinking differences by providing practical guidance for educators and families.
Best For
- Families
- Teachers
- Directors
Resources Available
- Learning Difference Resources
- Behavior Strategies
- Parent Resources
- Classroom Supports
Autism Speaks
Website: https://www.autismspeaks.org
Focus
Provides autism resources, educational materials, advocacy, and family support services.
Best For
- Families
- Teachers
- Child Care Programs
Resources Available
- Autism Tool Kits
- Educational Resources
- Family Support
- Community Resources
Center for Parent Information and Resources (CPIR)
Website: https://www.parentcenterhub.org
Focus
Connects families and educators with information about disabilities, early intervention, special education, and parent support organizations.
Best For
- Families
- Teachers
- Directors
Resources Available
- Parent Centers
CDC Learn the Signs. Act Early.
Website:
CDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. Resources for Early Care and Education
Focus
Provides free, research-based resources to help early childhood professionals monitor developmental milestones, communicate with families, support early identification of developmental delays, and complement developmental screening.
Best For
- Early Childhood Educators
- Child Care Centers
- Family Child Care Providers
- Directors
- Home Visitors
- Early Intervention Professionals
Free Resources Available
- Developmental milestone checklists
- Family engagement materials
- Tips for talking with families about developmental concerns
- Developmental monitoring resources
- Milestone Tracker materials
- Classroom resources
- Professional development tools
Featured Training
Watch Me! Celebrating Milestones and Sharing Concerns
Cost: Free
Length: Approximately 1 hour
Continuing Education: CEUs available
Learn how to:
- Monitor developmental milestones.
- Recognize early developmental concerns.
- Use CDC milestone resources effectively.
- Communicate concerns with families in a supportive way.
Training Link