Oregon sees rise in disability-inclusive preschool access as IDEA marks 50 years

Director Dr. Charlene Williams | Oregon Department Of Education

In the 2023-24 school year, Oregon saw a notable increase in access to early childhood learning programs for students with disabilities. According to a report by the Oregon Department of Education and the Department of Early Learning and Care, nearly two thousand more children received special education services compared to the 2020-21 school year.

Dr. Charlene Williams, Director of the Oregon Department of Education, emphasized the importance of early childhood learning environments in developing essential skills for future success. She stated that these settings help children develop social, emotional, communication, thinking, literacy, and physical skills while also providing training and coaching for caregivers and teachers.

Alyssa Chatterjee, Director of the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC), highlighted the collaborative efforts between state agencies, local programs, and community organizations in meeting children's needs. "It’s exciting to see state agencies, local programs, and community organizations collaborating to advance the shared goal of ensuring all children, regardless of their abilities, can thrive in early learning settings," she said.

The report notes several key achievements since the initiative began in 2020:

- A 17% increase in access to preschool programs for children with disabilities.

- The crucial role played by Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education programs in promoting inclusive early learning.

- Enhanced access to Pyramid Model training for over 1,000 professionals through efforts led by Oregon State University.

- The availability of free ePyramid modules for every early educator in Oregon.

This progress coincides with America celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which ensures that students with disabilities have equal access to education alongside their non-disabled peers.

Oregon's initiatives aim to make inclusive education a reality for preschoolers and contribute positively to lifelong learning outcomes.