The ABCs of the ADA: Your Early Childhood Program's Guide to the Americans with Disabilities Act

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Description

This is it—the only clear and simple resource that fully explains the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and shows early childhood programs what they need to do to promote inclusion and ensure compliance with the law. Answering early childhood administrators' most pressing questions about the legal issues surrounding inclusive programs, this informative and practical guidebook gives readers everything they need to create, implement, and monitor the success of their plan for ADA compliance. With this book, directors and managers of early childhood programs will

• understand the requirements of the ADA and other disability laws, including IDEA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
• develop policies, procedures, and program materials that meet ADA requirements
• troubleshoot problems and implement solutions for little or no cost
• help program staff and families learn about and accept inclusive practices
• support positive behavior through environmental adaptations
• make accommodations that promote children's physical accessibility and successful communication
• meet the needs of children with chronic health conditions

Much more than an overview of legislation, this book includes practical checklists, guidelines, and sample policy statements that programs can use to improve the physical accessibility of play areas, create parent handbooks and operations manuals, conduct program reviews, address staff development needs, and more. Every early childhood program will use this essential ADA guide as an active reference to ensure compliance with the law and to welcome and support the full participation of children with disabilities.

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Reviews

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Table of Contents

About the Authors
Foreword to the Second Edition: Joan Lombardi
Preface to the Second Edition
Acknowledgments
Introduction

I. Disability Laws and Early Care and Education

1. Americans with Disabilities Act
2. Enforcement of the Americans with Disabilities Act in Early Childhood Programs
3. Other Disability Laws that Affect the Presence of Children in Early Childhood Programs

II. Administrative Components

4. Components of High-Quality, Americans with Disabilities Act-Compliant Programs
5. Review for Program Change
6. The Accommodation Plan and Implementation

III. Program Components

7. Communicating with Staff
8. Communicating with Families Disabilities with Children and Parents
9. Collaborating with Special Education Providers
10. Disruptive Behaviors
11. Health and Safety Services in Early Childhood Programs

References

Appendixes

1. Glossary
2. Resources
3. Summary of Child Care-Related American with Disabilities Act Complaints and Legislation
4. Play Areas/Accessibility Checklist

Index