Inclusion/Disabilities Services
Overview
Region 10 Head Start Inclusion provides support to students with identified disabilities in Head Start classrooms. Specifically, support and any needed adaptation is given with regard to students who have an identified disability, a concern of a possible disability, as well as those students who were assessed, but did not qualify for services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Inclusion also benefits children without disabilities. It gives them the opportunity to work with children with diverse abilities and sometimes provides them with leadership opportunities if they assist students with disabilities in the classroom setting.
For additional information on inclusion, see the following:
Inclusion Basics: Membership – Head Start Center for Inclusion (headstartinclusion.org)
- How do I know if my child has a disability?
If you are applying for Head Start in a district with a Region10 Head Start partnership, check on the application that you have a concern about your child hacing a possible disability. Please be as detailed as possible about your developmental concerns regarding your child. The Inclusion Consultant will then review your information and contact you about your concerns. For general information regarding young children being tested for possible disabilities, please see How to Get Services. If your child has been diagnosed with a disability by the medical community, please be aware that it does not guarantee that he or she will qualify for a disability by the school district. This is because there must be an educational need in order for the child to qualify. - Does an identified disability guarantee a slot in Head Start?
No. Although a school district or a public charter may have identified your child as having a disability, this does not guarantee a slot in Head Start. Head Start must serve the children with the highest needs. There are multiple factors that determine which children have the highest need. - I am waiting on my child to be tested by the school district. What can I do while I am waiting?
If possible, see what community activities are available for your child (library story time, art classes, etc.). Apply for Head Start, as well as Pre-K. Check with your insurance company and with your doctor to see what services your child might qualify for within the medical community. If your child is enrolled in a Region 10 Head Start classroom, consult with your child's teacher and with your Family Resource Specialist regarding your concerns. - I attended my first ARD meeting and have noticed that there are many acronyms in special education. What do they mean?
Disability and Special Education Acronyms - In ARD meetings, I hear a lot about accommodations and modifications. What do these terms mean?
Accommodations Vs Modifications - Texas Project First - What are the benefits of a child with a disability being included in a Head Start classroom?
Children with disabilities who are included in general education settings, when appropriate, with same-age peers are able to practice having conversations (including hearing the language) of their non-disabled peers. They are also exposed to multiple social/emotional learning opportunities. The ARD/IEP committee (which parents are a part of) will determine the appropriate placement of a child with identified disabilities.
Inclusion also benefits children without disabilities. It gives them the opportunity to work with children with diverse abilities and sometimes provides them with leadership opportunities if they assist students with disabilities in the classroom setting.
For additional information on inclusion, see the following:
Inclusion Basics: Membership – Head Start Center for Inclusion (headstartinclusion.org) - My child has an identified disability and is about to transition into or out of Head Start. Are there any helpful suggestions available?
- What are normal developmental milestones?
CDC's Developmental Milestones
For additional information or questions regarding our program, please contact one of our Inclusion team members at (972) 348-1558 or (972) 348-1792.