Families who have dedicated efforts to find the best early childhood programs for their children with developmental delays, disabilities, chronic health conditions or physical challenges may benefit from seeking information from the same resources as their neighbors.

The National Association for the Education of Young Children, NAEYC, provides resources, information, conferences and support for early childhood programs, educators, caregivers, families and other advocates for children. Dedicated to raising the quality of programs for children through the age of eight years old, the NAEYC provides program standards and basic information for families on quality preschool, kindergarten and primary education programs, and childcare.

Many parents of children with special needs are determined to find the best opportunities for their sons and daughters to grow up included in the stimulating and nurturing environments that also benefit their mainstream peers. The NAEYC offers accreditation to programs that meet their standards as well as ongoing training and continuing education for staff, mentors and trainers in the field.

Annual NAEYC Conferences are scheduled on November 7-10, 2009 in Chicago, IL and November 5-8, 2008 in Dallas, Texas. They hosted the National Institute for Early Childhood Professional Development in New Orleans on June 8-11, 2008. Many outstanding regional, state and local conferences on early childhood education are also listed at their website.

NAEYC State, Regional and Local)Affiliate Conference Information can be found at the NAEYC website - http://www.naeyc.org

Browse at your local bookstore, public library, or online retailers for titles like How Understanding Your Child's Unique Learning Style Can Open the Door to Success or Developmentally Appropriate Play: Guiding Young Children to a Higher Level


Some of the excellent articles and resources to be found at the NAEYC website include:

Articles in YOUNG CHILDREN, the NAEYC Magazine Online
Implementing Visual Cues for Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Their Classmates

PDF Articles
Assistive Technology - Supporting the Participation of Children with Disabilities
Position Statement on Inclusion - Early Childhood
Achieving High-Quality Child Care
Early Learning Standards
"Standards recognize and accommodate variations in children’s cultures, languages, communities, and individual characteristics, abilities, and disabilities. This flexibility supports positive outcomes for all children"
Children's Literature about Health, Nutrition, and Safety - A First Look at Disability
Children's Books about Family Relationships and Experiences - Grandparents
Collaborative Steps - Paving the Way to Kindergarten for Young Children
Print and Online Resources on Environments That Support Exploring, Learning, and Living

Books for Inclusion
Early Childhood Education - Books in Spanish
Diversity and Anti-Bias Curriculum
http://www.naeyc.org/store

2010 NAEYC Conference and Expo in Anaheim
http://www.naeyc.org