Inclusion

In accordance with the policy statement of the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services and Education, Brookline Sprouts Preschool and Daycare policy promotes inclusion while reducing suspension and expulsion.

At Brookline Sprouts, we support the belief that every child and family, regardless of ability, has the right to participate in all activities. Brookline Sprouts believes that by giving children, with and without disabilities, opportunities and experiences it will create a sense of belonging, promote positive social relationships, and provide children the opportunity to reach their fullest potential. As teachers and caregivers, we are determined to provide access to high quality education, promote participation and support to all children in learning and social activities.

Access to high-quality education is the right of all children. We believe in providing a fun and safe learning environment for all families in the least restrictive environment possible.

We believe that providing access to information and helpful services is the first step to helping a family and early intervention for their child. Families are provided contact information for community agencies for further evaluations. Children and families are regularly provided information about local services, and are offered additional support and service recommendations and referrals if Brookline Staff notice opportunities to offer them or if parents/families ask for assistance. When these resources are shared, record of receipt of the resources should be kept in childrens' files.

If a child has a diagnosis, all reasonable established services and accommodations for the child shall be implemented with full acceptance by the teaching staff. If children have established services which include support staff or therapists, they will be allowed into the building and their attendance will be recorded via a visitor/therapist log.

The physical environment is set up to provide equal opportunities for all program activities. Curriculum and instructional strategies provide multiple ways of learning and expression of learning. Strategies that promote independent participation are provided.

Professional development and special training is provided to all staff. Records of training can be found in staff files, meeting minutes from staff meetings, and in PA Keys. Information about common disabilities is also shared with staff on a regular basis on Slack channels that all staff have access to, and staff have access to community resources that are shared with parents.

Parents/guardians are asked to provide copies of childrens' IEPS, and lessons are planned in accordance to attending childrens' IEP recommendations and needs. Brookline Sprouts staff also contribute to IEP meeting resource gathering by sharing information with special education teachers, parents, and other supportive professionals as needed.

Meaningful Participation: All children learn from each other and Brookline Sprouts encourages and supports the development of real relationships and a sense of belonging. We provide experiences and routines that are adapted so that all children can participate in all activities. To ensure equal participation teaching strategies are intentional to provide scaffolding for learning, and models of instruction are tiered to meet the needs of all children. Brookline Sprouts uses strategies and tools to promote inclusion, such as: social stories written by Brookline Sprouts and from the Pyramid Institute, parent/teacher meetings, visual schedules, visual timers, countdowns to transitions, predictable and reliable schedules, opportunities for children to take a break in a calm area, songs that teach regulation strategies, adaptive seating, lesson planning and classroom setup that promotes inclusion and kindness, and multiple options for children with dietary or movement restrictions to participate fully.

Through relationships with local agencies and specialists, as well as access to a comprehensive Social/Emotional Curriculum, we strive to establish a system of services and supports for children with disabilities and their families. It is important to Brookline Sprouts that all children and their families feel included in every aspect of Sprouts' education and care offerings.