Least Restrictive Environment
Spotlight on California: Creative Inclusion Program Options
By Kathleen C. Sadao, Ed.D. Program Specialist, SEEDS Project
Through the auspices of the SEEDS Project, Sacramento County Office of Education supported by the California Department of Education, Special Education Division, the following stories highlight the efforts of three Visitation Sites providing exemplary models of system change efforts to increase inclusive options for young children with disabilities in preschool programs. The stories provide a glimpse into the process by which each program generated new ideas to influence change in their communities serving young children. Although each program offers a distinct approach to increasing inclusive opportunities in their locales, there are key indicators evident across programs. These considerations are reflective in guidance for interagency collaborative practice (Interagency Collaboration Handbook, 2007).
- Administrative support and involvement at the superintendent level
- Philosophical statement (mission, vision) for inclusion
- Models of inclusion
- Flexible staff
- Program Manager as lead to the collaborative initiative
- Developing and Implementing an Action Plan for Success
- Fiscal support
- Professional Development
- Resources
- Public Awareness
- Evaluation and Continuous Improvement
With the interagency collaborative approach as a framework, the stories unfold that capture three program’s people and efforts to better serve all children in CA communities. Enjoy the stories and browse through the SEEDS Web site to select, receive technical assistance support, and apply one or more of the models in your programs.
- ZACA Preschool, Santa Barbara County Education Office Preschool Program,
Private Preschool Model (Coming soon)
- Santa Clara County Inclusive Collaborative
2,2 MB PDF file - Napa County Office of Education, Early Childhood Services Department --
A Blended COE Model 2.2 MB PDF file
