Identification
The INSPIRE ACTION framework was developed to assist those responsible for administrative oversight of local early childhood special education programs to identify and celebrate strong program components and to identify those program components most in need of improvement. The development was sparked by recognition that many local program leaders (e.g., Directors of Special Education, elementary principals, some special education coordinators) have limited knowledge of early childhood special education and are unable to consistently determine the presence or absence of ECSE program quality.
Definition
Identification includes public awareness and outreach activities, screen, evaluation, and assessment as those terms are defined by Part C and Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Professional Standards
DEC Recommended Practices
DEC Recommended Practices are a DEC initiative that bridges the gap between research and practice, offering guidance to parents and professionals who work with young children who have or are at risk for developmental delays or disabilities.
Minnesota Early Childhood Indicators of Progress (ECIPs)
The ECIPs are Minnesota’s early learning standards. Revised and expanded in 2016, these standards are a framework for a common set of developmentally appropriate expectations for children ages birth to kindergarten, within a context of shared responsibility for helping children meet these expectations. The ECIPs are aligned to the Minnesota Kindergarten Academic Standards.
EZ ECSE FAQ
Foundational Resources: Understand the Basics
As you look at the resources and tools provided here, consider:
- What is the main focus and purpose of each resource?
- How does this information align with what you currently know and do in your work with young children and families?
- How will you integrate this information into your work?
- How might you share or apply this information in working with: Children? Families? Colleagues?
Foundational Resources: Understand the Basics
Help Me Grow MN
Minnesota’s Help Me Grow initiative provides information and resources that will help parents, professionals, and community members identify children who may be experiencing delays in their development. The Help Me Grow site is a go-to resource, equipping those who interact with young children (birth to kindergarten) to better understand and monitor each child’s development.
Minnesota Department of Education
Minnesota Early Childhood Indicators of Progress: The Early Childhood Indicators of Progress (ECIPs) are Minnesota’s early learning standards. Revised and expanded in 2016, these standards are a framework for a common set of developmentally appropriate expectations for children ages birth to kindergarten, within a context of shared responsibility for helping children meet these expectations. The ECIPs are aligned to the Minnesota Kindergarten Academic Standards. Visit this page to discover the ECIPs and companion resources.
Minnesota Department of Education Early Childhood Screening
Screening is a brief, simple procedure used to identify potential health or developmental problems in infants and young children who may need a health assessment, diagnostic assessment or educational evaluation. Use this page to uncover support resources connected with screening in both English and other languages for professionals and families.
Readiness Resources: Deepen Knowledge and Prepare to Implement
As you look at the resources and tools provided here, consider:
- What is the main focus and purpose of each resource?
- How does this information align with what you currently know and do in your work with young children and families?
- How will you integrate this information into your work?
- How might you share or apply this information in working with: Children? Families? Colleagues?
Readiness Resources: Deepen Knowledge and Prepare to Implement
Minnesota Department of Education
Your program has received a referral for an infant or toddler – now what? This resource provides guidance in next steps.
MDE’s flowchart and information have been created to help programs determine the right path to follow following a referral.
Centers for Disease Control
Act Early! - Watch Me! Celebrating Milestones and Sharing Concerns
This 1-hour, 4-module course is designed for early care and education professionals. The modules, also available in Spanish, focus on:
- Why monitoring children’s development is important
- Why you have a unique and important role in developmental monitoring
- How to easily monitor each child’s developmental milestones
- How to talk with parents about their child’s development
Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center
Early Identification of Specific Disabilities and Children At-Risk
This resource page offers practitioners resources on specific disabilities and risk factors, including information and materials to share with families and caregivers.
Implementation Resources: Apply and Practice
As you look at the resources and tools provided here, consider:
- What is the main focus and purpose of each resource?
- How does this information align with what you currently know and do in your work with young children and families?
- How will you integrate this information into your work?
- How might you share or apply this information in working with: Children? Families? Colleagues?
Implementation Resources: Apply and Practice
NECTAC
- NECTAC Webinar Series, Early Identification and Part C Eligibility
Visit this list of webinars to view them and uncover accompanying materials designed to support programs and practitioners working in Part C.
Updated overview detailing the meaning and implementation of the regulatory requirement “informed clinical opinion” in Part C.
MNCoE Online Modules: Understanding Age Expectations – Birth to 3 & 3-5
These modules have been created to support practitioners in applying typical development expectations over functional outcomes as they go through the COSF process. The modules may be used for self-study, and additional materials are designed with team trainings in mind.
- MODULE: Understanding Age Expectations - Birth to 3
- MODULE--SCREENREADER VERSION: Understanding Age Expectations - Birth to 3
- Action Planning Form (pdf version |docx version)
- Early Childhood Indicators of Progress (2007)--Minnesota's Early Learning Guidelines for Birth to 3 (pdf version)
- Tying it Together table (pdf version | docx version)
- Understanding Age Expectations: Birth to Three--Facilitator's Guide (pdf version | docx version)
- MODULE: Understanding Age Expectations - Age 3-5
- MODULE--SCREENREADER VERSION: Understanding Age Expectations - Age 3-5
- 3-5 Functional Skill Planning Form (pdf version | docx version)
- Action Planning Form (pdf version | docx version)
- Teaching your Child to: Become Independent with Daily Routines (pdf version)
- Understanding Age Expectations: Three to Five--Facilitators Guide (pdf version | docx version)
Extending Practice: Resources for Family Engagement
As you look at the resources and tools provided here, consider:
- What is the main focus and purpose of each resource?
- How does this information align with what you currently know and do in your work with young children and families?
- How will you integrate this information into your work?
- How might you share or apply this information in working with: Children? Families? Colleagues?
Extending Practice: Resources for Family Engagement
Center for Inclusive Child Care
Talking with Families When There Are Developmental Concerns e-module
This course will examine the early care and education provider’s role in observation and documentation of child development. This course will give you the tools necessary to identify best practice methodologies when talking with families about developmental concerns.
PDF-Guided Resources and Support
Please contact your regional PDF if you have investigated all resources provided here, but continue to have questions or concerns related to this core component of INSPIRE ACTION.
If you have an additional resource that supports professional development in this core component, please share it with your regional PDF. Your participation in this site's continued growth is encouraged and welcome!
