2026 International Early Childhood Inclusion Institute

Sensory inclusion is more than a set of practices—it is a mindset that shapes how a child experiences the world. Join Durham County Library to explore sensory processing and engagement strategies that help children thrive at school, home, and in the community. This interactive session will feature hands-on exploration of sensory tools, practical guidance for recognizing sensory preferences, and simple, adaptable strategies for fostering inclusive environments for all children. Participants will experience a sensory-integrated library Storytime demonstration that can be replicated in various settings, while learning how sensory integration supports early literacy, encourages children’s choice, sparks curiosity, and creates joyful, engaging experiences that promote healthy development and create a welcoming world for all. ,

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This session will examine data on the federal, state, and local levels to identify who is included and who isn’t. Through the review and analysis of environment, age, eligibility, and location, participants will explore making informed programmatic decisions and identify strategies to include all.  ,The session will highlight practical strategies to develop a culture of data use to examine and improve program quality.  ,
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Families are powerful advocates when equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to understand and interpret data. This session explores how families can use data to advance inclusive practices and make informed school choice decisions. Participants will learn how to help families interpret school and district data, understand equity indicators, and apply this knowledge to advocate for inclusive environments and high-quality educational options. Using DaSy's Look! Think! Act! Framework, practical examples, tools, and interactive discussion, participants will build the skills and confidence needed to support families to influence decisions that promote access, belonging, and positive outcomes for all children.

Early childhood providers are often the first to notice when a child may need extra support. What can be harder is knowing what to look for, how to bring concerns to a family in a supportive way, and where to connect them next.
This session will share how Family Connection of South Carolina works with families and early childhood providers to help move from concern to support. We will talk about programs and services available across South Carolina for young children with disabilities, including early intervention, preschool special education, and other family supports. We will also review healthy growth and development so participants can better recognize when a child may need a closer look.
A big part of this session will focus on connection and coordination. We will walk through how to refer a child for BabyNet or preschool special education services and how providers can use state and national early childhood resources to better support families. We will also share what we have learned through Family Connection’s work with early childhood partners, including ways to have supportive conversations with families, how to build trust, and how to help families feel less overwhelmed when concerns first come up.
This session is grounded in the family perspective and in the role of Parent Training and Information Centers as trusted partners for both providers and families.

Playful Learning Landscapes is a national movement to transform ,the places where children and families gather every day into thoughtfully designed hubs for meaningful play and connection. Based on a community co-design process and combined with the science of child development, Playful Learning offers customized spaces for children of all ages and abilities to interact in ways that spark curiosity and exploration. Participants in this session will experience Playful Learning installations, learn the science of Playful Learning, and understand the Playful Learning design process. By considering opportunities for Playful Learning in communities, classrooms, and clinics, we can innovate the physical spaces that surround children and families in support of children’s development and learning. ,