The University of Toledo

ECSE Partner Resources

Resources on this web site include information on the responsibilities of early childhood special educators who are assigned to work with children (ages 3-5 years) with IEPs who are enrolled in community programs such as childcare centers, Head Start programs, and nursery schools.

This web site contains reference and resource materials that will help to explain the need for special education for young children with disabilities or developmental delays. The materials will:

• Help you better understand why some young children develop differently
• Provide reasons why preschool children (ages 3-5 years of age) with ‘special needs’ (children with Individual Education Plans or IEPs) are enrolled in community preschools and childcare programs
• Describe the effects of specific conditions (e.g. Down Syndrome, Autism, etc.) on early development
• Describe basic considerations in teaching young children frequently encountered conditions (e.g. ADHD)

There is also a description of the consultation model for preschool services proposed by the Ohio Department of Education, sponsor of Project DIRECT. This Ohio Department of Education policy statement is included in the web site materials. To review the policy Click Here.

The following are links to resources pages to assist ECE partner teachers in their collaboration with Itinerant teachers:

• Inclusive Education
• ECE General Resources
• Collaborating with Colleagues
• Federal Rules that Govern Inclusion
• FAQ's

Please visit this site periodically so you can examine additions to the web site including professional training options for ECE partner teachers within your region or across Ohio (including distance-learning opportunities).