2026 International Early Childhood Inclusion Institute

Families of infants and toddlers regularly seek out child care for their children--however for children with disabilities finding care that not only provides access for their families but a true sense of belonging remains challenging. This session will provide research, resources, and strategies for supporting inclusive child care systems for infants and toddlers with disabilities and developmental delays. We will focus on state and program-level barriers and opportunities for Part C early intervention and child care systems to work together to create meaningful and inclusive experiences for families. Participants will leave with reflection tools to bring back home to impact infants and toddlers in their states and communities.

Effective coaching starts with the right match. In this session, participants will explore the online Coaching Match Tool and related resources. This practical tool helps leaders and coaches align coaching strategies with educator needs, experience, and context. We’ll walk through how the tool works, discuss evidence-based principles behind matching, and share examples of how programs have used these resources to build capacity for inclusion. Participants will leave with actionable steps for integrating the Coaching Match Tool into their own systems, along with access to templates and guides that make implementation easy.

Children with low-incidents conditions often need specialized intervention strategies to fully participate in home and classroom activities. Until now, the strategies were implemented by specialists and largely unknown to caregivers and teachers. FIPP has partnered with the Early Learning and Sensory Support Team to develop guides for working with children with low incidents conditions using strategies any can implement. ,

This session presents the an overview of the revised Inclusive Classroom Profile and shares findings from the research study that assessed the psychometric properties of the revised tool.  ,Participants will have the opportunity to learn about the changes, additions and new features of the ICP tool,  ,discuss the findings of the pilot research and reflect upon the different ways they can use the ICP tool in their own work.

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.

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.

Family engagement is a cornerstone of equitable and effective assessment practices in inclusive early childhood education. This presentation explores how families can be meaningfully positioned as partners—not simply informants—in the assessment process. Drawing on culturally and linguistically responsive frameworks, the session highlights strategies for collaborating with families to gather authentic information about children’s strengths, needs, and everyday learning contexts. Participants will examine approaches that honor family expertise, promote shared decision-making, and support assessment practices that are inclusive, strengths-based, and developmentally appropriate. Practical examples and reflective tools will be shared to help educators and practitioners build reciprocal partnerships that enhance assessment quality and improve outcomes for young children and their families.

The Institute for Home Visiting Workforce Development (Workforce Institute) ,is advancing a National Strategy for the Home Visiting Workforce to strengthen support for home visitors, focusing on wellbeing, career pathways, and workforce stability. This session will explore evidence-based strategies to improve workforce well-being, with specific implications for Early Intervention (EI) professionals. Through interactive engagement, participants will identify current initiatives and co-create personal action plans for sustainability. ,