Collaborative Activities — State Efforts

State administrators use many collaborative strategies to promote inclusionary practices and comprehensive services for all children (see table for details). For example, many state education agencies undertake collaborative activities with the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) to assure that young children with disabilities receive services in child care (see table for details). Many states have included special considerations for children with disabilities in their CCDF plans (see table for details) as well as accommodations for young children with special needs in their state laws and regulations for child care.

In recent years states have undertaken a variety of initiatives to promote coordination and collaboration. Select "Early Childhood" from the pull-down menu on the Education Commission of the States Web site for examples of what states are doing, selected research, programs and initiatives.

The following are examples of ways in which states are developing comprehensive systems of services for all young children from which children with disabilities greatly benefit.

North Carolina's Smart Start is a comprehensive public-private initiative to help all children enter school healthy and ready to succeed. Children under the age of 6 years are provided access to high-quality and affordable child care, health care, and other critical services.

Rhode Island's Interagency Agreement (PDF: 1,329kb) between the Department of Education, Department of Health, Department of Human Services, and federal representatives for state Head Start programs is available in full text. The agreement establishes a framework for service continuity and collaboration and provides for the development of joint regional training sessions and technical assistance materials.

Also see "Texas Collaborative Planning Process" for information on a 4-year effort to move state services from center-based to inclusive settings.

Wisconsin's Department of Public Instruction works closely with the other early childhood providers on common goals through the Wisconsin Early Childhood Partners to assure comprehensive services for all children in Wisconsin.