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Early Childhood Inclusion �Least Restrictive Environment

Resources for Families in Illinois

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Definitions

Inclusion means that children with disabilities learn and play alongside children without disabilities in the same classroom, instead of being taught in separate classrooms. It’s about making sure all children, no matter their abilities, have the chance to participate in the same activities, form friendships, and learn together. �
Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a customized plan developed for a child with a disability. It outlines specific educational goals, services, and supports that the child will receive to meet their unique needs.�
Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) means that children with disabilities should be educated alongside their peers without disabilities in the regular general education classroom, as opposed to separate classrooms.�
Natural Environments are settings that include the same activities and routines in which children of similar ages without disabilities take part. This can be a family’s home, child care setting, or community setting.

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Family �Resource Guide

bit.ly/LREfamilyguide

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Guía de Recursos Familiares

bit.l y/LREguía 25

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Inclusion

Brochure

bit.ly/inclusionbrochure

For Families: The Illinois State Board of Education has produced an Inclusion Brochure, available in the most commonly spoken languages in Illinois, including English, Cantonese, Spanish, Urdu, Arabic, French, Mandarin, and Japanese. It is available for free download in all languages on the Early CHOICES website. It defines an early childhood program, highlights the benefits of inclusion, how children can receive Special Education services and additional resources for families. Many families find it helpful to read before a meeting, and some even bring it with them for reference.

For Presenters: The Inclusion Brochure is included in every transition packet at the Early Intervention to Early Childhood Special Education. It is a high level overview of inclusion, LRE, benefits and program models.

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Understanding Inclusion

On-Demand Series

bit.ly/understanding-inclusion

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Understanding Inclusion

On-Demand Series

Flyer for Families

bit.ly/understanding-inclusion

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Inclusive

Placement Strategies

bit.ly/placementstrategies

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Checklist of Sample Supports, Aids,

& Services

bit.ly/supportchecklist

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Overview of �Policy Statement �on Inclusion

bit.ly/fedguidancesummary

For families: Did you know that there are many laws in support of high quality inclusion for all children? The Policy Statement on Inclusion of Children with Disabilities in Early Childhood Programs provides an overview of the policy statement, and was released jointly by the Departments of Education and Health and Human Services. This policy statement builds upon the earlier 2015 policy statement with renewed commitment and urgency as children with disabilities continue to face significant barriers accessing and participating in inclusive early childhood programs. The QR will take you to the full document.

For presenters: This flyer can be shared with families to increase awareness. And the QR code will take families directly to the full document. Early CHOICES has a two-part module available for free and on-demand on their website.

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Rights & Protections Overview

bit.ly/rightsprotections

For families:

This is a very detailed document that outlines federal laws and protections, and explains how your child can receive the special education and related services and supports that they are legally entitled to while also still participating in the early childhood program that best fits your family’s needs. It provides guiding questions for families to consider during Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, emphasizing that families should never have to choose between inclusion and their preferred early learning program.

For presenters:

This is a very detailed document that outlines federal laws and protections, and explains how children can receive the special education and related services and supports that they are legally entitled to while also still participating in the early childhood program that best fits their family’s needs. It provides guiding questions for families to consider during Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, emphasizing that families should never have to choose between inclusion and their preferred early learning program.

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Early Intervention Training Project Playlist

Early CHOICES Playlist for Families

bit.ly/eifamrights

bit.ly/ecfamplaylist

For Families: Watching videos can be a great way to learn new things or deepen our knowledge! Early CHOICES and Early Intervention Training Project have created playlists just for families about inclusion.

For presenters:

The Early CHOICES playlist offers a collection of videos designed to support families in understanding inclusion and the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). The playlist covers key topics like advocacy, inclusive practices, and strategies for working with early childhood educators. These videos are perfect for families looking for quick, accessible guidance on fostering their child's success in inclusive settings.

Know Your Rights: Early Intervention (EI) Video Series

This video series was designed to support families’ and early interventionists’ understanding of their safeguards or rights in participating in the EI system. This video from the series explains what natural environments are and how they are essential to your child’s right under the law to inclusive EI services in the least restrictive environment.

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Resources for Transition from Early Intervention to Early Childhood

bit.ly/whenimthree

For family presentations:

Families, you may have already started accessing resources through Early Intervention a program for children with disabilities and their families from birth to three. So, we wanted to also bring your attention to an updated resource that is available for families with children in Early Intervention as they approach age 3, when they transition out of that program, "When I am Three, Where Will I Be?"

For future presenters:

Families may have already started accessing resources through Early Intervention a program for children with disabilities and their families from birth to three. So we wanted to bring your attention to an updated resource that is available for families with children in Early Intervention as they approach age 3, when they transition out of that program, "When I am Three, Where Will I Be?" For more information about the transition process from early intervention to early childhood, please see this document from the Illinois State Board of Education.

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Additional Resources