National Early Childhood Inclusion Institute
The National Early Childhood Inclusion Institute has become one of the premier educational opportunities for anyone involved in the care and education of young children with special needs in inclusive settings. For 19 years, the Institute has drawn people from across the nation and around the world to Chapel Hill to learn about the latest research findings, models, and resources that guide inclusive policy, professional development, and practice; to develop collaborative relationships and cross-agency systems that support early childhood inclusion; and to have the opportunity to meet, learn from, and problem solve with peers.
2020 Virtual Details
Access the Quick Session Guide
Visit the Schedule or Session pages to view recordings of sessions and available powerpoints and handouts.
We wish to extend our great appreciation to the Early Childhood Technical Assistance (ECTA) Center for providing scholarships for the 2020 Virtual Inclusion Institute.
2020 Keynote: The Importance of Stories in Family Engagement and Advocacy
As keynote presenter, Bethany Van Delft Moffi, comedian, storyteller, Parent Advocate, and parent of two children used humor and family stories to highlight the importance of collaboration and working together to further inclusion. In addition, Bethany hosted a concurrent session about using stories in advocacy as parents, family, teachers, and service providers.
2020 Plenary: Inclusion 2.0 2.0: Are We There Yet?
Rhodus Riggins, Jr., Harriette Bailey, and Lisa Pullis
Breathe-just breathe. Years of immeasurable tears, passion, research, and advocacy efforts at the local, regional, and even federal levels must call, command, and even demand an answer to this critical question: Are we there yet? This interactive plenary session dove deeply into this critical question and refrain while lifting essential voices and experiences with an imperative cry: No Inclusion: No Equity!!!.
2020 Federal Plenary Session: Supporting Inclusion in Challenging Times
The intention for this panel was to listen, learn, and share perspectives about inclusion with an interagency panel of policy leaders representing the US Department of Education Office of Special Education Programs, and the US Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration and Administration for Children and Families, Offices of Head Start and Child Care. Each panelist provided a brief update on early childhood priorities and inclusion initiatives within their agencies and then answer questions about meeting needs around inclusion submitted by participants in the weeks before the Inclusion Institute. During the Plenary, participants had the opportunity to share their challenges and strategies for moving inclusion forward during these challenging times using live polling. Below is a Word Cloud produced by participants live during the session.
We extend our gratitude to our sponsors: Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (ECTA) and Brookes Publishing
