Head Start programs support children with and without disabilities together in the same early childhood settings. Your program contributes to a large network that works to improve outcomes for young children with disabilities or suspected delays and their families. As a disability services coordinator, you play a vital role in this effort. 

Part 1 focuses on the basics of disability services in Head Start programs. It's broken down into five parts:

In Diving into the Coordinated Approach and Legislation, you will:

• Review federal legislation for disability services
• Explore the reasons for a coordinated approach that supports all children
• Find tips and strategies to support you in your role 

In Building Partnerships, you will:

• Learn about building partnerships with many different partners
• Understand how partnership agreements support collaboration
• Review strategies for writing and implementing partnership agreements
• Find tips and strategies to improve partnerships and collaboration

In Recruiting and Enrolling Children, you will:

• Explore your role in the eligibility, recruitment, selection, enrollment, and attendance (ERSEA) process for children with disabilities
• Understand the 10% rule for serving children eligible for Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) services
• Find tips and strategies to boost your ERSEA efforts

In Screening Children, you will:

• Learn the rules for screening all children
• Understand the difference between screening and ongoing assessment
• Review strategies for effective screening for all children, including those who are dual language learners
• Understand what to do when there are concerns about a child’s development
• Find tips and strategies to ensure a smooth screening process

In Referring and Evaluating Children, you will:

• Review the process for making a referral to an IDEA agency
• Understand what happens during the eligibility evaluation process
• Learn ways to partner with families during the referral and evaluation process
• Explore how to support children who are not eligible for IDEA services
• Find tips and strategies to ensure a smooth referral and eligibility process