Inclusion of Young Children with Disabilities: A Critical Quality Indicator in Early Childhood Education
This session was presented during BUILD 2022 National Conference.
Early childhood inclusion benefits all. Children with and without disabilities, families, and communities thrive in a culture of inclusiveness and belonging. The research supports this fact and has even shown that inclusion is a critical indicator of program quality. In this session, participants learned about inclusion research, laws, policy and practices as well as the disparities that exist in access to inclusive settings based on race and category of disability. This context was brought to life through the story of how Illinois and other states are working to foster inclusion through innovative state and community strategies.
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Head Start Under Threat: What the Field is Saying
Research September 8, 2026
Over the past few months, HHS has advanced two related sets of proposed changes to Head Start. National, state, and local partners across the early childhood field have raised serious concerns about both. This document is a summary of what our partners are saying, followed by concrete actions and resources for you and your organization. The content reflects our partners' own statements and comments — we agree with what they've said and are sharing it here with full source attribution. Updated September 8, 2026.
Where We Stand on Head Start
Blog August 18, 2026
For more than 60 years, Head Start has provided high-quality child care, comprehensive services, and a two-generation approach that helps families furthest from opportunity access early learning, development, health, and family well-being supports.
Connecting the Dots: Holistic Help for Women and Children Experiencing Homelessness
Blog July 27, 2026
At a time when marginalized populations are more vulnerable than ever, it’s inspiring to hear from individuals who have prevailed over dire circumstances. Their stories give us hope. The formerly homeless single mothers spotlighted here are resolute and resourceful. But they’d be the first to say that they likely wouldn’t be where they are today without the supports they received along the way.