Description of Inclusion
in·clu·sion, n. 1. to have as part of a whole, contain, comprise. 2. to take into account and include.
Inclusion is... "...a value that supports the right of all children, regardless of their diverse abilities, to participate actively in natural settings within their communities."
- Division of Early Childhood Position Statement on Inclusion, 2000
The Early Learning Coalition of Seminole advocates and supports children with special needs being included in quality early childhood program. The Coalition employs an Inclusion Specialist to ensure child care providers and parents have a resource with expertise and knowledge for successful inclusion. Seminole County's Inclusion Specialist has a Masters Degree in Early Childhood and Special Education.
DID YOU KNOW...
Persons with disabilities represent the largest minority group in
the United states.
Would You Believe?
Winston Churchill failed the 6th grade in school.
Would You Believe?
A newspaper editor fired Walt Disney because he had no good ideas.
Would You Believe?
When Thomas Edison was a boy, his teachers told him he was too stupid to learn anything.
The Inclusion Warm Line provides information and assistance for child care providers and families regarding children with disabilities and special health care needs. Seminole County's Inclusion Warm Line phone number is 407.833.4432, or toll free 877.322.8040. Please see the Inclusion Warm Line Flyer for more information about the Warm Line.
The Inclusion Specialist can help with topics including but not limited to:
- Curriculum issues
- Strategies for Managing behavior
- Child Development Concerns
- Health
- Environmental adaptations
- Laws and regulations (i.e. The Americans with disabilities Act)
There are inclusion specialists at each coalition office in our State and all are dedicated to:
- To increase the number of providers who offer quality inclusive programs for children with disabilities and special health care needs
- To enhance the confidence, ability level, and education of caregivers who care for children with disabilities and special health care needs
- To assist providers and the families they serve in understanding and accessing the community resources and services available for children with disabilities and special health care needs
- To increase community awareness of the need for, the requirements of, and the benefits associated with inclusive child care for all children
Additional Inclusion Resources
"For Americans without disabilities, technology makes things easier, and for those with disabilities, technology makes things possible."
- Council on Disabilities
Florida Directory of Early Childhood Services
www.centraldirectory.org
Circle of Inclusion
www.circleofinclusion.org
Florida Inclusion Network
www.floridainclusionnetwork.com
Florida Developmental Disabilities Council
www.fddc.org
Inclusion Alliance Partners
www.fddc.org/Announcements/Inclusion Alliance Partners.pdf
Disability Resources
www.disabilityresources.org
Inclusion Resources
www.inclusion.com
Special Education Network
www.specialednet.com/inclusion.htm
Florida Relay Services
Florida Relay is the communications link for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf/blind, or speech impaired.
Through the Florida Relay, people who use specialized telephone equipment can communicate with people who use standard telephone equipment.
To call Florida Relay, dial 7-1-1, or use the toll free numbers:
- 1-800-955-8771 (TTY)
- 1-800-955-8770 (Voice)
- 1-800-955-1339 (ASCII)
- 1-877-955-8260 (VCO-Direct)
- 1-800-955-5334 (STS)
- 1-877-955-8773 (Spanish)
- 1-877-955-8707 (French Cr)
239 Rinehart Road | Lake Mary, FL 32746
Phone: 407-871-1101 | Fax: 407-871-1100