Preschool Inclusion: Key Findings from Research and Implications for Policy

Description:

This brief builds on the research review and policy recommendations in the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and US Department of Education (DOE) joint policy statement on inclusion.

It highlights research relevant to three questions:
1) What are the effects of inclusive preschool on children’s early learning and development?
2) What is known about the quality of inclusive preschool programs?
3) What is known about how to improve the quality of inclusive preschool?

In a final section, this brief presents recommendations for policies that are supported by research, including policies related to the funding of early care and education programs, states’ professional development systems, and investments in gathering critical information about inclusive preschool programs for ongoing monitoring and quality improvement.