Synopses & Reviews
This is it—the only clear and simple resource that fully explains the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and shows early childhood programs what they need to do to promote inclusion and ensure compliance with the law. Answering early childhood administrators' most pressing questions about the legal issues surrounding inclusive programs, this informative and practical guidebook gives readers everything they need to create, implement, and monitor the success of their plan for ADA compliance. With this book, directors and managers of early childhood programs will
- understand the requirements of the ADA and other disability laws, including IDEA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
- develop policies, procedures, and program materials that meet ADA requirements
- troubleshoot problems and implement solutions for little or no cost
- help program staff and families learn about and accept inclusive practices
- support positive behavior through environmental adaptations
- make accommodations that promote children's physical accessibility and successful communication
- meet the needs of children with chronic health conditions
Much more than an overview of legislation, this book includes practical checklists, guidelines, and sample policy statements that programs can use to improve the physical accessibility of play areas, create parent handbooks and operations manuals, conduct program reviews, address staff development needs, and more. Every early childhood program will use this essential ADA guide as an active reference&emdashto ensure compliance with the law and to welcome and support the full participation of children with disabilities.
Review
"Combine[s] clarity with relevance to bring comfort and support to all caught in the implementation thicket of this well-intended legislation." Kyle D. Pruett, M.D.
Synopsis
The only clear and simple resource that fully explains the ADA and shows early childhood programs what they need to do to promote inclusion and ensure compliance with the law. Answering early childhood administrators' most pressing questions about the legal issues surrounding inclusive programs, this informative and practical guidebook gives readers everything they need to create, implement, and monitor the success of their plan for ADA compliance.
Synopsis
A practical guide for early childhood administrators which outlines strategies for achieving ADA compliance in their programs.
About the Author
Karren Ikeda Wood, Ed.D., O.T.R., is currently a private educational consultant. Her formal education was in special education and occupational therapy. Her initial work experience in occupational therapy gave her a solid grounding in pediatric assessment and child development. She has provided services to preschool children with disabilities in both public and private programs. She has also provided services in community-based settings. She assisted the Arizona Early Intervention Program in developing and providing standards of practice training for early intervention providers. Her most recent work experience includes supporting the efforts of community-based child care programs to create library areas focusing on literacy activities and mentoring emergent leaders in the field of early care and education.
Table of Contents
About the Authors
Foreword to the Second Edition
Joan Lombardi Preface to the Second Edition
Acknowledgments
Introduction
I. Disability Laws and Early Care and Education- Americans with Disabilities Act
- Enforcement of the Americans with Disabilities Act in Early Childhood Programs
- Other Disability Laws that Affect the Presence of Children in Early Childhood Programs
II. Administrative Components- Components of High-Quality, Americans with Disabilities Act-Compliant Programs
- Review for Program Change
- The Accommodation Plan and Implementation
III. Program Components- Communicating with Staff
- Communicating with Families Disabilities with Children and Parents
- Collaborating with Special Education Providers
- Disruptive Behaviors
- Health and Safety Services in Early Childhood Programs
References
AppendixesA. Glossary
B. Resources
C. Summary of Child Care-Related American with Disabilities Act Complaints and Legislation
D. Play Areas/Accessibility Checklist
Index