Head Start recognizes the value of each child as an individual. In Head Start programs, children's progress and abilities are measured based on their own skills. This section provides information and resources that support individualization for children with disabilities and their families by effectively addressing the objectives included in the IEP and/or IFSP. The resources available in this section will help you address curriculum and individualization of children with disabilities.

The information and resources are related to the subjects listed below:

Child Outcomes
The Head Start Child Outcomes Framework guides curriculum and instruction in Head Start programs. This section demonstrates how each domain of learning supports positive outcomes for children with disabilities. They include approaches to learning, creative arts, language, literacy, mathematics, physical health and development, science, and social and emotional domains.

Disabilities
Effective Head Start programming requires understanding, respect and responsiveness to the diversity of all people, but particularly of children with disabilities. The Head Start Program Performance Standards emphasize the importance of enhancing the sense of diversity of each child and their family. In this section find information specific to the disability categories defined in Section 1308 of the Head Start Program Performance Standards.

Cultural and Linguistic Diversity
The Head Start Program Performance Standards require that programs provide an environment of acceptance that supports and reflects cultural and linguistic diversity. In this section, find resources that will improve the staff's cultural competencies in working with families of children with disabilities.

IEP-IFSP Implementation
In everyday teaching, the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) are tools that facilitate learning activities for children with special needs. Information and resources are available in this section to assist multidisciplinary teams in partnership with parents to meet IEP and/or IFSP goals.

Infants and Toddlers
Resources in this section will help program staff ensure that infants and toddlers with disabilities receive the individualization they need.

Multiple/Severe Disabilities
The Head Start Program Performance Standards encourage programs to recruit and enroll children with significant disabilities. Resources are available here that can offer information and ideas.

Policy
Check out this section for regulations and policies regarding individualization for infants, toddlers, and preschool children.