NCO Early Head Start Program believes that all children are entitled to a quality developmentally appropriate Early Childhood Experience. During the early years of life the development of the child with disabilities is greatly enhanced by early intervention and systematic programming. Early intervention services for special needs children and their families can significantly reduce the potential impact of a condition and influence later development.

The Head Start Performance Standards mandate interagency collaboration between Early Head Start and IDEA Part C providers, Head Start and Local Education Agencies (LEA) to ensure appropriate identification, evaluation and service provisions for children with disabilities. This concept has allowed NCO Early Head Start and the IDEA Part C Providers, NCO Head Start and the LEAs to establish working procedures to deliver and coordinate services for all eligible children for special education services in compliance with Federal and State laws.

It is essential that children with disabilities receive appropriate intervention to ensure that their developmental needs are addressed. The Early Head Start and Head Start Program believes that appropriate intervention includes addressing the needs of the entire family and will continuously promote the importance of their child's individual education program. In order to assure quality, comprehensive services it is imperative that there are collaborations within the agency service areas and among the community resource agencies.

NCO Early Head Start and Head Start believe that children with disabilities benefit from inclusion and in the least restrictive environment. The benefits of inclusion enhance learning experiences for parents, families, teachers, and children promote acceptance from the community. The overall purpose of the disabilities services effort is to ensure that children with disabilities receive comprehensive services and are included in the full range of activities within the child's development program.

© 2004 North Coast Opportunities Head Start Child Development Program