The Office of Head Start (OHS) supports children with and without disabilities in the same early childhood settings. Your program is part of a large national effort to improve the outcomes for young children with identified disabilities or suspected delays and their families. As the disability services coordinator (DSC), you play a key role in making this happen.

Who should use this guide?

If you are new to the role, the Disability Services Coordinator Orientation Guide will help you get started. If you are experienced, it can serve as a helpful refresher. You might be called a DSC, disabilities manager, or disability/mental health coordinator. You may report to a support services manager, an education coordinator, or a program director. No matter your title or supervisor, this guide is for you.

You bring your own skills, knowledge, and experience. Your program is also unique. What works for you may not work for others — and that’s okay. Use this guide in the way that best supports you and your program.

Others may also find this guide helpful, including: 

• Managers, teachers, family engagement staff, and health and transportation specialists
• Community partners like mental health consultants and school system staff
• Families who want to understand the services you provide
• Child care partners and other early childhood programs

What is the purpose of this guide?

You can use this guide to: 

• Improve your program’s services and systems
• Recruit and screen children
• Provide strong education and health services
• Use teaching strategies that are backed by research
• Build partnerships and support smooth transitions
• Help staff grow through training and support

The guide is based on the Head Start Program Performance Standards (the Performance Standards). The Performance Standards require every Head Start program to use a coordinated approach to support the full and active participation of all children with disabilities and their families (45 CFR §1302.101(b)(3)).

Why a Coordinated Approach Matters

A coordinated approach means that all parts of your program — hiring, budgeting, curriculum, facilities, and partnerships — work together to meet the needs of every child and family.

Our goal is school readiness for all children, including those with disabilities. This guide helps you and your team follow laws like the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

By focusing on children’s strengths and building strong partnerships, your program can help every child fully participate in learning. Families feel more supported when you work closely with them and others, like early intervention providers and community partners.

How the Guide Is Organized

This guide has three main parts and 13 chapters. Each chapter walks you through a key part of your role as a DSC.

Part I: The Basics

• Diving Into the Coordinated Approach and Legislation
• Building Partnerships
• Recruiting and Enrolling Children
• Screening Children
• Referrals and Evaluating Children

Part II: Coordinated Services for Children with Disabilities and Their Families

• Individualizing Teaching and Learning
• Implementing Curriculum and Supporting All Learners
• Coordinating with Health and Mental Health Services
• Coordinating Safety Practices
• Helping Children with Disabilities Transition Smoothly 

Part III: Improving Disability Services

• Creating Support for Staff
• Building Support for Yourself
• Improving Your Program’s Coordinated Approach

Part IV: Conclusion and Appendices pulls it all together. This part includes appendices with checklists and helpful tools, a glossary, and more resources.

What’s in each chapter?

Each chapter includes:

• A summary of the topic
• Regulations specific to children with disabilities
• Your role and responsibilities as a DSC
• What to include in partnership agreements
• A real-life scenario showing how a DSC strengthens disability services
• Tips to help you in your role
• People who can support you
• Questions to talk about with your team

How to Use this Guide

You can read the whole guide or just focus on the sections that help you the most. You might:

• Read everything once, then go back to key parts
• Use chapters to get helpful tips and contact information
• Share sections during staff training, based on your team’s needs

This guide is here to support you. Use it to plan and carry out your program’s coordinated approach. Each chapter focuses on one piece of the work. Together, they show how to provide strong services for children with disabilities and their families.