2026 International Early Childhood Inclusion Institute

Presenters will share stories from a variety of communities that have used the ECTA Community Indicators to leverage local partnerships to support children based on family strengths and needs. During this time, participants will 1) explore examples of challenges solved at the local level through intentional community partnerships, 2) reflect on potential partnerships in their own communities, and 3) consider both opportunities and challenges for building impactful community partnerships in their local context. Questions for reflection and conversation during this part of the session will include:

• What can we learn from intentionally constructed community partnerships to improve outcomes for children and families within the community?
• How have community partners efficiently used family voice to improve opportunities for young children?
• What has been the impact of community partnerships on children, families, educators, and leaders?
• How could strategies be adapted for your local community?

Creating inclusive early learning environments takes intention, collaboration, and action. Grounded in the shared mission of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the Division for Early Childhood (DEC), the Joint Position Statement on Early Childhood Inclusion calls on all of us to move from vision to practice. In this session, you’ll learn what’s new in the currently being-revised statement, have an opportunity to share your feedback, and explore concrete ways everyone of us can apply these principles to strengthen inclusion and belonging across early childhood environments.

This interactive session explores how the Pyramid Coaching Model can be expanded beyond classroom practice into community based and cross sector systems that support young children, families, and the adults who care for them. Using real world examples from large scale implementation efforts, participants will examine how reflective coaching strengthens educator confidence, promotes family belonging, and builds sustainable partnerships across agencies and community stakeholders.
A featured systems case example will highlight the adaptation of Pyramid Model principles within community safety partnerships, including collaboration with police force leadership and family support systems through the Positive Solutions for Families Train the Trainers model. This example demonstrates how Pyramid practices can be translated into relationship based leadership, prevention, and regulation strategies that strengthen trust and belonging across the broader community.
Participants will engage in reflective dialogue and practical planning around how coaching infrastructures, implementation teams, and family centered partnerships can be leveraged to create inclusive systems change that is sustainable, equitable, and culturally responsive.
Participant Outcomes
By the end of the session, participants will:

• Explore advanced applications of the Pyramid Coaching Model across systems
• Learn how Positive Solutions for Families train the trainers structures strengthen community capacity
• Analyze a cross sector example integrating Pyramid practices with police and family systems
• Identify strategies for building sustainable inclusive community partnerships
• Develop one action step for expanding belonging in their own implementation context

In this session, we will share the history of the Sesame Street and Autism initiative and how Julia came to life, highlighting the collaboration and research that shaped her introduction to Sesame Street. We’ll also explore how Sesame Street’s bilingual Autism tools can strengthen partnerships among families, early educators, and community providers in inclusive early childhood settings. Participants will learn how resources can help build connections, support routines, and affirm each child’s individuality, while gaining practical strategies to integrate these tools into family engagement and classroom practice. 

Note: The presenter for this session is presenting virtually. 

Data demonstrating inclusive opportunities for children with disabilities has long been stagnant. This is largely because it is very difficult for states to unify and align systems that support high-quality inclusion across fragmented early childhood environments (e.g. public schools, Head Start, community-based childcare and home-based care.) This session showcases the journey for two states two years after receiving intensive technical assistance aimed at implementing inclusive practices statewide. Leaders will highlight bright spots, showcasing how they have supported systems with a shared purpose around inclusive early childhood education. Leaders will also share the persistent challenges that hinder progress for children, families and providers in programs. Facilitators will guide discussions that help participants to uncover innovative, cross-sector solutions to ensure access, participation and belonging for children with disabilities across the system. Participants will leave with a toolkit of strategies to support implementation and sustainability of policies and practices in their own mixed-delivery early childhood systems.

This session explores the intersections between early identification, early intervention, and inclusion in early childhood systems. Using a Fragile X case example and cross-system research findings, presenters will examine where families encounter barriers and highlight practical strategies to improve referrals, coordination, navigation supports, and inclusive participation outcomes.

Data demonstrating inclusive opportunities for children with disabilities has long been stagnant. This is largely because it is very difficult for states to unify and align systems that support high-quality inclusion across fragmented early childhood environments (e.g. public schools, Head Start, community-based childcare and home-based care.) This session showcases the journey for two states two years after receiving intensive technical assistance aimed at implementing inclusive practices statewide. Leaders will highlight bright spots, showcasing how they have supported systems with a shared purpose around inclusive early childhood education. Leaders will also share the persistent challenges that hinder progress for children, families and providers in programs. Facilitators will guide discussions that help participants to uncover innovative, cross-sector solutions to ensure access, participation and belonging for children with disabilities across the system. Participants will leave with a toolkit of strategies to support implementation and sustainability of policies and practices in their own mixed-delivery early childhood systems.

In the complex world of early childhood inclusion, it can be difficult to stay grounded in what truly matters. This panel explores how mothers at different stages of the journey define their “North Star” and use it to guide decisions and advocacy. Those just beginning share the uncertainty and questions they face, while more experienced mothers reflect on how their perspectives have evolved over time. Together, they offer insight into navigating systems, shifting priorities, and staying focused on the child.