EP 5 : Conversations on early care and education in Colorado

Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) are developed to ensure children with identified disabilities receive the necessary resources and support they need to thrive in the classroom. As the transition to the new Department of Early Childhood continues, a subgroup has been devoted to developing recommendations for the administration of special education services within the new state agency.  No child is the same, which is why we need an early childhood system that ensures kids with special education needs have access to the high-quality instruction and care they need to reach their fullest potential. 

Welcome to another episode of our early childhood miniseries, where we will continue to explore the multifaceted ways families find care for their kids in a system that has made it difficult for far too long. In this episode, we are joined by Rachel Schiff and Corinne DePersis, two parents who have children with IEPs. Rachel and Corinne bring their lived experience to our discussion to share how early childhood leaders should approach the development of the new state department for children with IEPs. Throughout the episode, both Rachel and Corinne articulate the need to create a system that meets children and families where they are, and gives them sufficient options for finding early childhood services. They also emphasize how important it is that educators, caregivers, and program directors have the necessary training to support students with IEPs. By ensuring this is a priority in the future, we can take full advantage of the opportunity our state has been given to create a more inclusive childcare system that benefits all children.