Research and practice tell us that when a classroom is truly developmentally appropriate, it meets the needs of children with varying abilities. Children with disabilities often have unique needs that require additional services and support.
Since 1972, Head Start programs have reserved at least 10 percent of their enrollment for children with disabilities. These disabilities include: speech or language delays, physical disabilities, health impairments, autism and other developmental delays. The R/K CAA Head Start Program partners with local education agencies and families to ensure that each child’s identified needs are met.
Children with special needs are fully included in the R/K CAA Head Start Program and receive the full range of activities and services provided to all Head Start children. Children participating in R/K CAA Head Start can receive services and support in a regular classroom without being isolated from peers. If necessary, additional services may be offered by the local school district.
Children will build friendships with others from their own community and neighborhood and also develop the skills they need to become academically successful and socially competent. Families participating in R/K CAA Head Start can build connections with other families in the community and discover that children with disabilities can succeed in regular classrooms.