Programs

Inclusion Collaborative The Inclusion Collaborative of Santa Clara County is a product of collaboration between FIRST 5 and the Local Early Education Planning Council.  It is housed in the Santa Clara County Office of Education.

The collaborative leads the effort to provide every young Santa Clara County child with a quality early learning environment. Its focus is the successful inclusion of special-needs children--from birth through age five--in child care, preschool programs and the community through education, advocacy and awareness.

An inclusion program has the same characteristics as any other child care program. Children with and without disabilities participate in the same routines and play experiences. Providers in inclusive programs learn to recognize children as distinct individuals with special strengths and needs.

They continually make creative modifications to routines and activities so that each child benefits from participating.

Among the core values of the Inclusion Collaborative:
•     Respect for all children and families
•     Offer training and education at all levels
•     Assure equality and access for children with special needs and disabilities
•     Provide for the unique needs of every child served on basis of belief that every child can learn and benefit from social inclusion
•     Extend support for parents, providers, teachers and children
•     Seek collaboration and partnerships among  community agencies
•     Strive for full participation of all children in community learning environments
•     Involve and honor child/family choices and seek their input for inclusion options

For more information, visit
http://www.sccoe.org/programs/inclusion-collaborative/