Inclusion & Equity 

You Had Me at "Hello": Building Relationships and Strengthening Inclusive Practices

Anabel Espinosa, Ph.D., Director of Research and Evaluation and Maria "Lucy" Schrack, Inclusion Manager, Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade/Monroe

Target Audience: Administrators, Direct Service Providers, Directors, Teachers: New, Teachers: Experienced, Training & Technical Staff

One in six children ages 3-17 have a developmental disability, and regulatory language supports the inclusion of children with disabilities in early childhood programs. Making spaces inclusive can seem elusive. This interactive session features an initiative that strengthens community partnerships and inclusive practices, through the use of self-assessment tools that facilitate the identification of barriers and collaborative goal development, resulting in inequitable access for all children.

How to Support Families Raising Children with Special Needs

Brocklin Qualls, BQ Definitive

Target Audience: Administrators, Direct Service Providers, Directors, Teachers: New, Teachers: Experienced, Training & Technical Staff

To support Head Start enrolled families with special needs, program leaders and staff members must have an intentional approach to family engagement. This interactive session will provide insight into best practices that engage families needing support for their children with identical educational or medical needs.

Count Me In! A conversation about Inclusion and Equity

Mimi C. Jefferson, CEO, JGirl Style Solutions

Target Audience: Administrators, Direct Service Providers, Directors, Family Support, Teachers: New, Teachers: Experienced
Training &Technical Staff

In today's's society, tackling equity issues requires an understanding of the root causes of outcome disparities within our community. Inclusion is the act of creating environments in which any individual or group can be and feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued to participate fully. In this session, participants will understand how implementing quality inclusion and equity practices will lead to higher productivity, supportive work cultures, rendering positive outcomes for the communities in which they serve.

Enhance Equity and Inclusion with UNESO and NAEYC: Policy Analysis and Approaches

Dr. Bingbing Zhang, Postdoctoral Scholar & Adjunct Professor, University of Central Florida

Target Audience: Administrators, Family Support, Teachers: New, Teachers: Experienced

This session will help participates gain knowledge on policy statements from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), and the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), regarding Inclusion and Equity in Education. Participates will examine policy structure and learn approaches to enhance their practices, and provide insights for schools, teachers, and staff with strategies to support learners they can adapt for their classroom and community.