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The fact that there are only five responses to call for input on this program is a direct reflection of how little priority is given to children with disabilities in this state. I recently moved to Oregon from a state which valued all children. This was reflected in legislation and state initiative, in schools, and in the tax system which provided funding for education. As a professional in the field of Early Intervention, I have been frustrated that even at the lowest level of education these children are recieving seperate and unequal education(which leads into another discussion about the quality of early childhood education in this state).
In Multnomah County there was no llisted data for ECSE( for children three to five years old) despite the large number of ECSE classrooms and the State mandate of 32% of children in this age group recieving services in typical settings(meaning with peers who are typically developing in their age group or in the home). There are professionals out there working really hard and who have exceptional training and gifts in the classroom as teachers. However, there is not enough funding to get them out into community preschools to support the teachers and children there. Additionally, there are not enough quality preschools in the county to support the great need of all children in the Portland Metro area. I could go on and on...As an educator, it makes me incredibly sad though that these children are being looked over because they are differently abled. These children are every much our future as their typical peers. They need our help...advocate for universal preschool and inclusion. It's what's best for all children!

posted 5 years, 2 months ago
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