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Over the past four years, two community programs have made a significant impact on early childhood education in Colorado: the Colorado Early Learning: Universal Design & Inclusion Project (formerly the Preschool Development Grant: Inclusion & Universal Design Project) and Project Include. These projects were designed to assist Colorado’s licensed childcare programs in adapting their practices to better support children with delays, disabilities, and differences.

The Colorado Early Learning: Universal Design & Inclusion Project

The Colorado Early Learning: Universal Design & Inclusion Project, beginning in the Fall 2020 through Summer 2024, served 11,000 children and involved 216 childcare programs across 48 Colorado counties. Through online training, small group learning, customized coaching, and monthly topic discussions, the initiative improved inclusivity and raised the overall quality of care provided.

Impact on Children’s Participation and Learning Outcomes

Outcomes of the Early Learning project showed remarkable success. Participation increased for 63% of children in activities they previously found challenging. Additionally, 84% of children improved in communication skills, and 66% showed gains in literacy. The focus on inclusion fostered a culture of empathy and reduced disruptive behaviors, better preparing children, especially those with delays or disabilities, for kindergarten.

“I really enjoyed learning strategies that make my classroom inclusive for all learners. I didn't know that in making sure I reach the needs of some, I can better reach the needs and interests of all. I love the concept of Multiple Means of Expression, Engagement, and Representation!” – Participant, Early Learning Project

Project Include: Empowering Educators and Students

Project Include, implemented by the Center for Inclusive Design and Engineering (CIDE) from Spring 2022 to Summer 2024, also achieved notable success. This initiative collected 1,192 interest forms from childcare programs in 55 of Colorado’s 64 counties and distributed over 140 Universal Design and Inclusion Kits for loan.

An impressive 98% of kit borrowers reported increased confidence in supporting children with disabilities, and 100% agreed the kits were valuable for the children they serve. Additionally, 96.7% of participants said the kits improved their understanding of adaptive materials, while 96.6% affirmed they continue to use the skills learned in their classrooms daily.

“The Project Include experience and resources have been very helpful to all my students and for me... ALL the students benefited from all I learned and from all the materials the class was given.” – Participant, Project Include

A Lasting Legacy in Colorado Childcare

Both the Early Learning Inclusion Project and Project Include equipped childcare providers with tools and strategies to enhance inclusivity in their programs. By positively impacting childcare environments, these projects created greater engagement and success for children of all abilities. As these projects concluded on August 31, 2024, efforts are underway to secure funding to continue this important work.

Author: Paige Garman

Community programs like these are managed by CIDE at CU Denver and funded by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC). To learn more about these programs, visit Project Include or contact CIDE Associate Director, Maureen Melonis.