Early CHOICES

Wondering how you can promote inclusion in your program? Does navigating the current policy landscape feel daunting to you? Check out our two-part on-demand module to learn about all the recommendations and resources from the 2023 Policy Statement on Inclusion of Children with Disabilities in Early Childhood Programs from the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. For more information, visit the on-demand modules tab on www.eclre.org

DEC Positionality 2025: "In response to recent Executive Orders from the new administration, we are writing to assure our members and partners that DEC will continue to stand with you in our collective commitment to inclusion, equity, social justice, accessibility, and belonging." To read the full statement, visit ow.ly/iXQE50USGpC

Don't forget to register for the Summer Inclusion Institute! ?? Join us on June 11 & 12, 2025, at the Marriott Hotel & Conference Center in Normal, IL, for two incredible days of learning, connecting, and empowering inclusive practices in early childhood education. For more details, visit https://lnkd.in/gqpWFC-V

Have you checked out the 2023 Federal Policy Statement on Inclusion in Early Childhood? The U.S. Departments of Education and Health and Human Services released this revised statement in 2023 to continue supporting inclusion for young children with disabilities. Let’s lean on this guidance as we work together to create inclusive environments where every child can thrive. To read the full statement, visit: https://lnkd.in/gWRSJwF5 For a one-page summary, visit: bit.ly/fedguidancesummary Early CHOICES offers an on-demand module to learn about all the recommendations and resources from the statement. To access it, visit: bit.ly/policymodule

Upcoming Opportunity for Families! Join the Facebook Live kick-off and overview of the EC LRE Family Toolkit! ?? Let families know to mark their calendars for April 3rd from 6–7:30 PM (via Zoom)! We're thrilled to introduce the new go-to resource for advocating for their child's inclusion: the Early Childhood Least Restrictive Environment (EC LRE) Toolkit! ?? What to Expect: ? Toolkit walkthrough ? Parent success stories ? Inspiring videos ? Self-advocate & EC educator speakers ? Q&A session The event will be offered in English and with Espa?ol translation provided. For Espa?ol, please register for the event at tinyurl.com/LREkickoff For English, you are welcome to register or you can view via the Facebook Live that will be streamed on Early CHOICES page: @earlychoicesorg Explore the toolkit at bit.ly/LREfamilyguide Also available in Espa?ol at bit.ly/LREguía

We know there’s been a lot of conversation around recent federal actions, and it’s understandable that questions have come up. It's important to know that there have been no changes to federal legislation, regulations, or funding that require a local response. ? Illinois state laws remain unchanged. ? Districts should continue normal operations. As we navigate these conversations, let’s stay focused on what matters most: providing a high-quality, inclusive education for all young learners. Full Message from Dr. Tony Sanders: "Dear Colleagues: I understand that district leaders, teachers, and families have a lot of questions about the recent Executive Orders and memos issued by the federal government. These actions do not require school districts to make any immediate changes at the board or classroom level. At this time, there have been no changes to federal legislation, regulations or funding that would warrant a local response, and all Illinois state laws remain intact. In the meantime, I urge district leaders to continue normal operations. Thank you for your day-to-day leadership in providing a high-quality education to all Illinois students."

The Inclusive Schooling Checklist is a practical resource for families to evaluate the features of an inclusive program. It’s a valuable tool for helping parents identify programs that align with their child’s needs. This resource is included in the new Early Childhood LRE Toolkit, which is full of helpful tools to support families in advocating for inclusion. Share it with your network! Check out the Inclusive Schooling Checklist here: bit.ly/supportchecklist Explore the full toolkit here: bit.ly/LREfamilyguide Also available in Espa?ol at bit.ly/LREguía

For National Disability Awareness Month, the IL SLD Support Project created a technical assistance resource calendar to support educators and caregivers! Access the calendar at https://lnkd.in/gitj6T9r

Are you a family member of a child with a disability? Do you want to learn more about placement options and inclusion? This series is for you! Explore and learn about what inclusion is and what the least restrictive environment is all about. Learn about the benefits of inclusion and how to advocate for inclusion. Listen and learn from other parents as they share their stories of inclusion. Register at bit.ly/familyseries25 This series kicks off next week! If you are an early intervention/early childhood provider, please consider sharing this with the families in your program.

STAR NET invites Illinois ECE Professionals who work with students receiving Special Education Services to come together and share ideas and practices on how to support the Early Childhood Outcomes process. This ECO CoP is specifically for practitioners who have been active participants in the ECO process. Learn more at: bit.ly/eco-cop-2025