Colorado Early Learning:
Universal Design & Inclusion Project

Learning more about removing barriers and increasing access through implementation of Inclusion & Universal Design should be a requirement for all early childhood educators. This grant allowed our program to expand our knowledge base, increase the tools in our toolkit, and add more opportunities for equal access and inclusion within our classroom setting.

The project put together resources and specific tools to aid in proving and practicing inclusion that were quite doable. Many of the tools we were already using but maybe didn't recognize the adaptive qualities, the training provided validation to many of our observations and focus to addressing new hurdles with a lense of creativity.

Everyone associated with this project was amazing. I received so much information and I feel so much better to support the children and families in our care. It's not just about the support for children with delays/disabilities, but how to support every child in your program.

I am thankful to have been selected to participate in the PDG program and to be given the opportunity to reflect on the setting of our classrooms, the levels of inclusivity of our classrooms' culture and the ability to tend, on a one on one basis, to the specific needs of our children and to feel that we have the resource to positively contribute to their issues.

It was exciting learning among my peers and colleagues. Among our group there was so much knowledge and ideas shared. I looked forward to checking in with them. It was a pleasure being part of the inclusion grant.

Initially, I was not sure this project was for me because I did not have any children with severe needs; however, I was so wrong. The changes I made to my home have been beneficial for ALL children, and will make me proactive instead of reactive when it comes to caring for the needs of ALL children. The changes did not require extensive time, classwork, skill, or money. They just required me to think in a different way about being inclusive of all children. I will be forever thankful I was included in the project.

This experience has taught me to see that we can do so much more for children than I thought. Materials that we have on hand can be adapted for a simple fix that can make such a difference. The access to the lending library and all of the resources we received have been amazing. The team has been supportive and professional. I have enjoyed this entire process.