Overview

One key responsibility of Head Start and Early Head Start programs is to identify potential learning delays and disabilities in their children. This course covers the policies surrounding special education in Head Start and Early Head Start programs. Learners who successfully complete this course will understand the requirements set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and how these policies impact their responsibilities. The course will provide you with the foundational aspects of ADA and IDEA to help with identifying signs, opening dialogue with families, providing resources, and helping children overcome challenges in early childhood.

Start Date: Available on-demand

Course Level: Beginner

Requirements/Prerequisites: None

Target Audience: Instruction and Effective Practice, Leadership and Management, Program Operations, and Support Services

Course Meeting Times: None

Completion Timeline/Duration: One Month

Alignment with the Head Start Program Performance Standards: This course supports programs in meeting the 1302.60 Full participation in program services and activities of the Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS) in which a program must “ensure enrolled children with disabilities, including but not limited to those who are eligible for services under IDEA, and their families receive all applicable program services delivered in the least restrictive possible environment and that they fully participate in all program activities.”

Course Outline

Module Topics: Special Education, Disabilities, IDEA, ADA

Learning Objectives: 

Learns will gain skills to help with identifying signs, opening dialogue with families, providing resources, and helping children overcome challenges in early childhood.

Learners will be able to define IDEA and ADA and understand the difference between them. 

Learners will understand the requirements set forth by the HSPPS related to serving children with disabilities.

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Dr. Deborah Bergeron

Dr. B served as director of the Office of Head Start from 2018-21. From 2019-21 she broadened her leadership as director of the Office of Early Childhood Development in the Administration for Children and Families. Known as “Dr. B” to former students and teachers, she spent three decades in pre-K–12 public education as a classroom teacher and school administrator. She currently serves as deputy director for Community Engagement and Innovation at the National Head Start Association.