August 2, 2022 PROJECT INCLUDE
We are excited to share an initiative to help Colorado’s licensed child care programs make adaptations to better serve children with delays, disabilities, and differences.
Project Include offers all licensed child care programs in Colorado the opportunity to build more inclusive learning environments through simple modifications and adaptive equipment.
There is no cost or application to participate in Project Include – all Colorado licensed child care programs are eligible. Simply fill out this interest form to get started.
Interested programs will start by completing the Introduction to Universal Design training on the Colorado Shines Professional Development Information System (PDIS). After the training is complete, Project Include offers Universal Design and Inclusion Kits for programs to borrow and experiment with adaptive equipment. Each kit contains materials that can be used to make simple adaptations in early childhood environments to increase inclusion and participation by young children with delays and disabilities. The kits are focused on one of four developmental areas: Communication & Literacy, Behavior & Cognition, Fine & Gross Motor, Vision & Hearing. The kits can be requested for loan and will be distributed throughout Colorado. As of August 2022, the Communication & Literacy and Behavior & Cognition Kits are available for check-out.
In addition, Project Include offers:
- Video tutorials with explanations of how to use the tools in each kit
- Quick program support for brief questions and resources
- Customized coaching and materials support from our team of experts after completing the course and exploring a Universal Design and Inclusion Kit
Learn more and get started! Contact projectinclude@ucdenver.edu with questions.
The project is a partnership between the Center for Inclusive Design and Engineering (CIDE) and the Colorado Department of Early Childhood.