I-1.8—To support the right of each child to play and
learn in an inclusive environment that meets the
needs of children with and without disabilities.
I-1.9—To advocate for and ensure that all children,
including those with special needs, have access to the
support services needed to be successful.
II. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND PREPARATION is critical to providing the most effective services for young children with disabilities and their families. Professional development is viewed and valued as an ongoing process guided by high standards and competencies for professional performance and practice.
Professionals acquire the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to work with a variety of young children with
disabilities and their families within natural and inclusive environments promoting children’s overall growth, development and learning, and enhancing family quality of life. Finally, professionals continually should seek and interpret evidence based information for planning and implementing individually appropriate learning environments linked to ongoing assessment and collaboration with parents and professional team members.
1. We shall engage in ongoing and systematic reflective inquiry and self-assessment for the
purpose of continuous improvement of professional performance and services to young children
with disabilities and their families.
2. We shall continually be aware of issues challenging the field of early childhood special education
and advocate for changes in laws, regulations, and policies leading to improved outcomes and
services for young children with disabilities and their families.
3. We shall be responsible for maintaining the appropriate national, state, or other credential or
licensure requirements for the services we provide while maintaining our competence in practice
and research by ongoing participation in professional development and education activities.
4. We shall support professionals new to the field by mentoring them in the practice of evidence and ethically based services.