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NPDCI Activities

• DEC Success Stories: Improving Lives through Evidence-Based Practice
• Reaching Consensus on a Definition of Professional Development for the Early Childhood Field
• Research Synthesis Points on Early Childhood Inclusion
• Webinar: Professional Development and Inclusion: A Definition and Framework to Guide Cross-Sector Planning
• Webinar: Response to Intervention Goes to Pre-K: An Early Intervening System Called Recognition and Response
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Attachments

NPDCI Fact Sheet

Looking at the Data on Inclusion

This activity aids in sharing key research points related to early childhood inclusion. It can be used to facilitate discussion among participants on their reactions to these research points and application to their work. It is designed for use with the Research Synthesis Points on Early Childhood Inclusion.

Center Overview

The National Professional Development Center on Inclusion (NPDCI) works with states to create a system of high quality, cross-agency, accessible professional development for early childhood personnel. While NPDCI serves as a resource to all states, the center will select eight states for more intense collaboration, 4 in year 1 of the project (2007) and 4 in year 2 (2008).

Methods

The National Professional Development Center on Inclusion (NPDCI) addresses policy needs, resource issues and practice concerns. The project has several unique features. ** Based on a strong theoretical and conceptual framework. ** Aligns professional development with standards and outcomes. ** Relies on an evidence-based practice approach. ** Serves as catalyst to coordinate existing initiatives. POLICY NEEDS: NPDCI provides technical assistance to help states align existing personnel standards from general and special early childhood education. The project collaborates with partners to identify key dimensions of inclusive program quality and core competencies that define highly qualified personnel who serve preschool children in inclusive settings. These dimensions, standards, and core competencies will serve as the foundation for building, implementing and evaluating an effective cross-agency professional development system. RESOURCE ISSUES: NPDCI assists states in identifying and leveraging fiscal, human and material resources to develop an integrated, cross-agency State Plan for professional development. The project will offer a wide variety of resources, ranging from a website to other products that can support states' professional development goals. Most professional development resources will be available via the NPDCI website. PRACTICE CONCERNS: NPDCI provides technical assistance to states on the most promising professional development approaches to improve teaching and intervention practice supporting inclusion.