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ECSE
Vision and Belief Statement Development
In
1995, the Early Childhood Special Education section of the Department of
Elementary and Secondary Education held multiple committee meetings with a
variety of stakeholders who were representative of the state to develop vision
and belief statements. These statements describe the direction the state of
Missouri is taking in developing services for young children with disabilities.
A
vision is philosophy and value driven rather than action driven. A vision is not
confined to present educational practices but describes the future. Missouri's
vision and belief statements for ECSE services continue to provide direction for
services to young children.
Vision
for Early Childhood Special Education in Missouri
Families,
staff, and the community will work together to effectively meet the individual
needs of young children with disabilities through a variety of early childhood
special education services. These
services will be family focused, developmentally appropriate, culturally
responsive, community sensitive, and cost effective. Multiple resources will be
used to enhance each child's future by assuring that trained staff and equitable
early childhood special education services are available to children and
families across the state.
Early
Childhood Special Education Belief Statements
1.
Young children with disabilities should successfully participate with non-disabled
peers in a variety of community and school settings.
2.
All preschool children should have the opportunity to develop relationships and
friendships with their peers.
3.
Early childhood special education and related services should be individualized
and provided in a flexible manner that addresses the unique strengths and needs
of the child.
4.
Families are an essential part of teams that design and provide services to
support young children with disabilities. Mutual respect and cultural
responsiveness are reflected in these collaborative partnerships.
5.
All eligible young children should have equal access to quality early childhood
special education and related services that are adequately funded and provided
by competent, well-trained staff.
6.
Collaboration between the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education,
university training programs, school districts, early childhood professional
organizations and community resources should support recruitment/retention,
training, research and ongoing professional development for those providing
services to young children with and without special needs.
7.
Individuals and agencies providing services for young children with disabilities
should be accountable for effective outcomes and provision of services in a
cost-effective manner.
8.
Young children with disabilities and their families should experience smooth
transitions into new environments within the community and school.
9.
Collaboration between agencies should be fostered at local and state levels.
December 1995
