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Supporting Early Learners with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)

The following is a list of national technical assistance organizations that provide resources to better support early learners who receive special education through an Individualized Education Program (IEP) in the least restrictive and natural environment.

DPI Early Childhood Special Education Web Page

Each school district in Wisconsin is responsible for providing a continuum of Special Education and Related Services to children who receive special education services through an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Including children with IEPs in early childhood programs is a part of this continuum.

Additional Early Learning Resources

Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (ECTA)

Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (ECTA) 

The ECTA Center supports state Part C and Section 619 programs in developing high-quality early intervention and preschool special education service systems, increasing local implementation of evidence-based practices, and enhancing outcomes for young children with disabilities and their families.

Division for Early Childhood of the Council for Exceptional Children (DEC)

Division for Early Childhood of the Council for Exceptional Children (DEC) 

The Division for Early Childhood (DEC) promotes policies and advances evidence-based practices that support families and enhance the optimal development of young children (0-8) who have or are at risk for developmental delays and disabilities. DEC is an international membership organization for those who work with or on behalf of young children (0-8) with disabilities and other special needs and their families. ​

Additional early learning resources can be found on the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) web page.

Division for Early Childhood Recommended Practices in Special Education

Division for Early Childhood Recommended Practices in Special Education  

The Division for Early Childhood Recommended Practices were developed to provide guidance to practitioners and families about the most effective ways to improve the learning outcomes and promote the development of young children, birth through age 5, who have or are at-risk for developmental delays or disabilities. The purpose is to help bridge the gap between research and practice by highlighting those practices that have been shown to result in better outcomes for young children with disabilities, their families, and the personnel who serve them.

National Association for the Education of Young Children​​​​​​​ (NAEYC)

National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) 

The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is a professional organization that works to promote high-quality early learning for all young children, birth through age 8, by connecting early childhood practice, policy, and research.

National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations (NCPMI)

National Center for Pyramid Model Innovation (NCPMI) 

The National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations (NCPMI) is funded by the Office of Special Education Programs to improve and support the capacity of state systems and local programs to implement an early childhood multi-tiered system of support to improve the social, emotional, and behavioral outcomes of young children with, and at risk for, developmental disabilities or delays.

National Center on Intensive Intervention (NCII)

National Center on Intensive Intervention (NCII) 

NCII developed a set of course content focused on developing educators’ skills in designing and delivering behavior support in intensive intervention. The course includes modules that can support faculty and professional development providers with instructing pre-service and in-service educators’ knowledge of behavioral theory and skills in designing and delivering effective behavioral supports for students with intensive needs.

Family Support and Advocacy Organizations for Students who Receive Special Education Services

Family Support and Advocacy Organizations for Students who Receive Special Education Services 

State, national, and community based organizations that provide support, resources, and advocacy for students who receive special education through an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and their caregivers.

Well Badger Resource Center

Well Badger Resource Center 

The Well Badger Resource Center is a health information and referral program operated by the Wisconsin Women’s Health Foundation (WWHF) in partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

Wisconsin Early Childhood Collaborating Partners

Wisconsin Early Childhood Collaborating Partners 

The Wisconsin Early Childhood Collaborating Partners website serves as the collaborative source of information on issues of cross-sector interest, state initiatives, and research-based practices.

Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards (WMELS)

Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards (WMELS)

The Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards have been developed by the Wisconsin state departments of Public Instruction, Children and Families, and Health Services to reflect the shared values and commitments of the citizens of Wisconsin to prepare young children for success in school.

Behavior Help Wisconsin

Behavior Help Wisconsin

Behavior Help Wisconsin is a program designed to help children thrive in their current early care and education setting by offering the adults who care for them tools, knowledge, and skills to reduce challenging behaviors and promote positive ones. For more information, check out the Behavior Help Wisconsin brochure and the Supporting Families Together website.

Sign Up for DPI Early Learning Email Lists

Go to the DPI email list web page, scroll down to Early Childhood and click on the following early childhood email list options to sign up.

  • forces44 - Wisconsin Forces for Four Year Olds discussion group
  • weccp - Wisconsin Early Childhood Collaborating Partners discussion group