Resources
National Resources
Council of Exceptional Children - The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving educational outcomes for individuals with exceptionalities, students with disabilities, and/or the gifted.
Division for Early Childhood (DEC): The Division for Early Childhood is a division of the Council of Exceptional Children (CEC) which promotes policies and advances evidence-based practices that support families and enhance the optimal development of young children who have or are at risk for developmental delays and disabilities.
Early Childhood Research Institute on Inclusion was a five year national research project funded by the Office of Special Education Programs, U.S. Department of Education to study the inclusion of preschool children with disabilities in typical preschool, day care and community settings. The project ended on August 31, 2000.
National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC): The NAEYC is a national organization that is dedicated to improving the well-being of all young children, with particular focus on the quality of educational and developmental services for all children from birth through age 8. There is also a state affiliate Oregon Association for the Education of Young Children (OAEYC) and a number of local or regional chapters around the state.
The National Professional Development Center on Inclusion is funded by the Office of Special Education Programs (U.S. Department of Education) to work with states to create a system of high quality, cross-sector professional development for early childhood personnel to support inclusion. Oregon was awarded the opportunity to participate and this Collaborative will be receiving technical assistance from the center over the next 4 years. Technical assistance will be provided through 3-4 onsite support/facilitation visits as well as ongoing phone/e-mail support.
Oregon Resources
Child Care Division (CCD): The Child Care Division of the Oregon Employment Department supports families by promoting a statewide child care system that promotes safe, high quality, affordable, and accessible child care. The CCD assures the safety of children by licensing certified child care centers, certified family homes, and registered family child care homes. The division also manages funds for child care subsidies to high risk target populations, including children with disabilities.
Employment Related Day Care (ERDC): A program of the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS). The program provides child care subsidies to low income working families and to families involved in DHS self-sufficiency programs. Children and youth requiring a higher level of care than other children the same age may be eligible for a special needs rate or an individualized "High Need Rate." Each High Need Rate is based on an individual assessment of the child's specific needs in the child care setting.
The Inclusive Child Care Program and Committee was established by the Oregon Child Care Division and provides supports for families and child care providers who have children with special needs needing additional supports to care for them. This program connects providers to resources to serve children with special needs.
The Northwest Down Syndrome Association (NWDSA) The NWDSA seeks to create and nurture a loving and inclusive community celebrating every person with Down syndrome by empowering and supporting families and individuals who have been touched by Down syndrome. We will work to increase education, promote public understanding and acceptance, work toward full inclusion, and defend the civil rights of individuals with Down syndrome.
Oregon Center for Children and Youth with Special Health Needs (OCCYSHN): Our mission is to improve the health, development and well-being of children and youth with special health needs and their families.
Oregon Department of Education. As part of supporting this Collaborative, the Oregon Department of Education has provided funding for The Teaching Research Institute to provide training, consultation and technical assistance to Early Childhood Special Education Providers to develop instructional and consultation skills to support quality inclusion.
Oregon Head Start Pre Kindergarten Program (OHS PreK): Oregon Head Start Prekindergarten is a comprehensive child development program for three and four year old children serving Oregon's lowest income children and their families. Programs are located in every county. Federally-funded Head Start and state-funded HS OPK programs have the same performance standards.
Oregon Parent Training and Information Center (OrPTI): OrPTI's mission is to educate and support parents, families and professionals in building partnerships that meet the needs of children and youth with the full range of disabilities ages birth through twenty six. Oregon PTI provides programs and services throughout the state.