Spina Bifida
Learn about typical characteristics and the diagnosis of spina bifida, as well as tips for education staff to support children with spina bifida in environments that include everyone.
Children with Disabilities
Young children vary in their skills, knowledge, backgrounds, and abilities. Effective teaching requires individualized teaching and chances to learn for all children to access, participate, and thrive in early learning settings. Individualizing for children who need more support helps ensure effective teaching for children with disabilities and other special needs across all the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework domains. Using children’s Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) and Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals is part of effective teaching, individualizing, and creating environments to support children’s positive outcomes.
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Learn about common characteristics and the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), as well as tips to support children with ASD in early childhood settings.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
Learn about possible characteristics and the diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), along with tips for education staff serving children with FASD and their families.
Cerebral Palsy
Learn about characteristics and the diagnosis of cerebral palsy, along with practical tips to support development and positive experiences for children with cerebral palsy.
Down Syndrome
Learn about common characteristics of Down syndrome. Explore suggestions for evidence-based practices that education staff can use to support infants and toddlers with Down syndrome.
Embedded Learning Opportunities: FAQs
Find answers to common questions about embedded learning opportunities (ELOs) for infants and toddlers.
Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
Read this guide to learn about the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework and practical tips for using UDL strategies to support access and engagement.
Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs) Tips
Read this guide to learn about the purpose, development, and implementation of an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) and practical tips on how education staff can stay involved throughout the IFSP process.
Working with Part C Providers
Read this guide to learn about Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and practical tips for partnering with Part C providers.
Program Considerations Prior to Submitting a Disability Waiver Request
Learn how to prepare a waiver request when your program is unable to fill at least 10% of its total funded enrollment slots with children eligible for services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.