
Inclusion in Early Childhood Education with OSEP Director Valerie Williams
11/16/23 • 43 min
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About The Guest(s): Valerie Williams is the Director of the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) at the U.S. Department of Education. She is passionate about early childhood inclusion and ensuring that all children have access to quality education.
Summary: Valerie Williams, Director of OSEP, discusses the importance of inclusion in early childhood education. She shares a personal story about finding the right preschool for her son with Down syndrome and highlights the need for a mindset shift among educators and administrators. Valerie emphasizes the importance of providing resources and technical assistance to support inclusive practices. She also discusses the current state of inclusive education in different states and the need for implementation and accountability.
Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/aHwtuZFhIyncVjkeHBdVS1Yk-Zc
Key Takeaways:
- Inclusion starts early and should continue throughout a child's education.
- The mindset of educators and administrators plays a significant role in promoting inclusion.
- There are federal resources available to support inclusive practices, but there is a need for better dissemination and outreach.
- Implementation and accountability are crucial for ensuring that inclusive practices are effectively implemented in schools.
Resources:
Office of Special Education Programs Techincal Assistance Network: https://osepideasthatwork.org/sites/default/files/2023-10/OSEP-IDEAs-Menu-508.pdf
This episode was produced in collaboration with the Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (https://ectacenter.org/) and the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute (https://fpg.unc.edu/).
MCIE:
Website: https://www.mcie.org/
Email List: https://bit.ly/MCIE-Email-List
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThinkInclusive/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/think_inclusive/
Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/think_inclusive
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ThinkinclusiveUs
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inclusive-education/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
About The Guest(s): Valerie Williams is the Director of the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) at the U.S. Department of Education. She is passionate about early childhood inclusion and ensuring that all children have access to quality education.
Summary: Valerie Williams, Director of OSEP, discusses the importance of inclusion in early childhood education. She shares a personal story about finding the right preschool for her son with Down syndrome and highlights the need for a mindset shift among educators and administrators. Valerie emphasizes the importance of providing resources and technical assistance to support inclusive practices. She also discusses the current state of inclusive education in different states and the need for implementation and accountability.
Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/aHwtuZFhIyncVjkeHBdVS1Yk-Zc
Key Takeaways:
- Inclusion starts early and should continue throughout a child's education.
- The mindset of educators and administrators plays a significant role in promoting inclusion.
- There are federal resources available to support inclusive practices, but there is a need for better dissemination and outreach.
- Implementation and accountability are crucial for ensuring that inclusive practices are effectively implemented in schools.
Resources:
Office of Special Education Programs Techincal Assistance Network: https://osepideasthatwork.org/sites/default/files/2023-10/OSEP-IDEAs-Menu-508.pdf
This episode was produced in collaboration with the Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (https://ectacenter.org/) and the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute (https://fpg.unc.edu/).
MCIE:
Website: https://www.mcie.org/
Email List: https://bit.ly/MCIE-Email-List
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThinkInclusive/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/think_inclusive/
Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/think_inclusive
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ThinkinclusiveUs
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inclusive-education/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Previous Episode

SENIA: Advocating for Inclusion in International Schools with Lori Boll
About The Guest(s): Lori Boll is an inclusive education leader with a personal connection to individuals with disabilities. Her son Braden was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and an intellectual developmental delay, inspiring her to advocate for all children’s education. Lori has taught in international schools for over 25 years and holds two Masters degrees in Reading Education and Special Education. She is the Executive Director of SENIA International and supports others on their professional development journeys. Her expertise and personal connection help her make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Summary: Lori Boll, the Executive Director of SENIA, an international nonprofit organization, discusses the importance of inclusion in education and how SENIA supports educators in creating inclusive learning environments in international schools. SENIA provides resources, conferences, and coursework to educate parents, families, and educators on best practices for inclusion. They also offer a membership program for schools and school districts, as well as regional and local chapters worldwide. SENIA's mission is to advocate for and provide resources for individuals with disabilities, with a focus on promoting inclusion and equity.
Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/iX5JRQleaRL9s__UsJG-jhy5WJw
Key Takeaways:
- SENIA is an international nonprofit organization that advocates for and provides resources for individuals with disabilities.
- SENIA's mission is to promote inclusion and equity in education through three pillars: learn, connect, and support.
- SENIA offers conferences, coursework, and a membership program for schools and school districts to support their inclusion efforts.
- SENIA is working towards creating an accreditation program for international schools that want to prioritize inclusion.
- Inclusion benefits all students and helps create a more equitable and diverse learning environment.
SENIA:
Website: https://www.seniainternational.org/
SENIA Virtual Conference (2023): https://www.seniaconference.org/senia-virtual-conference-2023/
MCIE:
Website: https://www.mcie.org/
Email List: https://bit.ly/MCIE-Email-List
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThinkInclusive/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/think_inclusive/
Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/think_inclusive
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ThinkinclusiveUs
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inclusive-education/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Next Episode

Brad Cohen: An Inside Look at a School Leader with Tourette Syndrome
About The Guest(s): Brad Cohen is an educator, author, and motivational speaker. He has Tourette Syndrome and has dedicated his career to advocating for individuals with disabilities. Brad has written a book called "Front of the Class: How Tourette Syndrome Made Me the Teacher I Never Had," and his story has been made into a movie. He has also worked as a mascot for the Atlanta Braves.
Summary: Brad Cohen, an educator with Tourette Syndrome, shares his experiences and insights on working with individuals with disabilities. He emphasizes the importance of understanding and acceptance, dispelling misconceptions about Tourette's, and providing support for students with neurological disorders. Brad also discusses his own journey as an educator and the impact he has made in the lives of others.
Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/ye6nk1AR0hWIVABR-pqZMwXjDTk
Key Takeaways:
- Misconceptions about Tourette's include viewing it as a behavior problem and assuming individuals with Tourette's are disabled.
- Educators should educate themselves about Tourette's and communicate with students to understand their needs.
- Tourette's can be influenced by emotions and stress, leading to increased tics in certain situations.
- It is crucial for educators to believe in students with Tourette's and provide them with opportunities for success.
- Families of children with disabilities should educate others, focus on strengths, and promote self-confidence.
Brad Cohen:
Website: http://www.classperformance.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradcohentourettefoundation/
MCIE:
Website: https://www.mcie.org/
Email List: https://bit.ly/MCIE-Email-List
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThinkInclusive/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/think_inclusive/
Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/think_inclusive
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ThinkinclusiveUs
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inclusive-education/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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