A State System Framework for High-quality Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education

Authors

Christina Kasprzak, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Kathleen Hebbeler, SRI International
Donna Spiker, SRI International
Katy McCullough, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Anne Lucas, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Sharon Walsh, Walsh Taylor Incorporated
Judy Swett, PACER Center
Barbara J. Smith, University of DenverFollow
Grace Kelley, SRI International
Kathy T. Whaley, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Lynda Pletcher, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Debbie Cate, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Mary Peters, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Betsy C. Ayankoya, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Mary Beth Bruder, UConn Health

Publication Date

3-5-2019

Document Type

Article

Organizational Units

Morgridge College of Education, Teaching and Learning Sciences, Early Childhood Special Education

Keywords

Early intervention, IDEA, Preschool special education, Systems improvement

Abstract

The Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center used a rigorous 2-year collaborative process to develop, test, and revise a conceptual framework for high-quality state early intervention (EI) and early childhood special education (ECSE) systems. The framework identifies six critical components of a state system and what constitutes quality in each component. This new conceptual framework addresses the critical need to articulate what constitutes quality in state EI and ECSE systems. The framework and companion self-assessment are designed for state leaders to use in their efforts to evaluate and improve state systems to implement more effective services for infants and young children with disabilities and their families. This article describes the contents of the framework and the processes used to ensure that the framework incorporated current research, was relevant to all states, and was useful for systems improvement.

Publication Statement

Copyright held by author or publisher. User is responsible for all copyright compliance.

Recommended Citation

Kasprzak, Christina, Hebbeler, Kathleen, Spiker, Donna, McCullough, Katy, Lucas, Anne, Walsh, Sharon, . . . Bruder, Mary Beth. (2020). A State System Framework for High-Quality Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education. Topics in Early Childhood Special Education, 40(2), 97-109. doi: 10.1177/0271121419831766.