Position Papers

Joint Position Statements of U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Education

The USHHS and USDOE have developed a series of position statements. These policy statements reflect the vision of these agencies for services for young children. Each paper sets the vision for services and makes recommendations to states, local education agencies, and public and private preschools.

Inclusion

ED HHS Release Policy Statement on Inclusion in Early Childhood Programs

The “Policy Statement on Inclusion of Children with Disabilities in Early Childhood Programs”, released jointly by the Departments of Education (ED) and Health and Human Services (HHS) on September 14, 2015, states that all young children with disabilities should have access to inclusive high-quality early childhood programs, where they are provided with individualized and appropriate support in meeting high expectations.

Suspension & Expulsion

ED and HHS have issued a Policy Statement on Expulsion and Suspension Practices in Early Childhood Settings to assist States and their public and private local early childhood programs in preventing and severely limiting expulsions and suspensions in early learning settings. Recent data indicate that expulsions and suspensions occur with regularity in preschool settings, a problematic issue given the well-established research indicating that these practices can influence a number of adverse outcomes across development, health, and education.

State Advisory Councils

Partnerships with Federal Agencies and Others

The purpose of this policy statement concerning State Advisory Councils is to provide guidance to State Advisory Councils on Early Childhood Education and Care on sustaining federal and state investments and advancing work that supports the coordination of quality, comprehensive systems of early care and education at the state level.

Joint Statement on MIECHV and Part C

Joint Statement on Collaboration and Coordination of the MIECHV and IDEA Part C Programs
This joint statement from the U.S. Departments of Education (ED) and Health and Human Services (HHS) sets a vision for stronger partnerships, collaboration, and coordination between awardees of the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program (MIECHV) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part C Program.