Inclusion Spotlight
November, 2022
New App!
Early CHOICES is excited to announce our launch of an application available for either Apple or Android devices. Search "Early CHOICES Decision Trees." or click the button below.
The app serves to keep the decision trees for Early Childhood Outcomes (ECO) and Preschool Environment Codes handy for you.

Data accuracy is fundamental to continuous quality improvement. And if you know the CHOICES team, you know we are all about the data.


Download on your device today!

"See Us. Hear Us."

On the journey towards a more inclusive world, one of the most powerful ways we can change our mindset is to listen to someone's lived experience. In this very important short film, Jordyn Zimmerman tells her story of growing up in a world that made many dangerous assumptions because she is non-verbal.

A team viewing could open up some deep conversations about how the decisions we make as educators impact the children and families we serve. Are we truly presuming competence and respecting that communication is a human right?

Available on YouTube.

High Quality Inclusive Practices: An Overview of the Inclusive Classroom Profile
November 10, 2022
10am to 11:30am
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Curious about how to support children with disabilities in inclusive classrooms? Join us for this introduction to the Inclusive Classroom Profile. We will provide an overview of the tool, and explore how to use it for self-reflection.

You will leave with ideas to try out right away and some tools to continue exploring.

Registration is open.
Developmentally Appropriate Practices












Developmentally Appropriate Practices: Maximizing Equitable High Quality Early Childhood Education and Care


NOV 15, 2022
Guiding principles of child development and learning and the implications that inform classroom practices

JAN 24, 2023
Creating a caring, equitable community of learners and engaging in reciprocal partnerships with families

MAR 14, 2023
Observing, Documenting, and Assessing Children's Development and Learning
With all of the initiatives and information about best practices in the field, it can be hard to know where to start. Fortunately, there is tremendous overlap between indicators of quality.

We invite you to join ECPL, Early CHOICES and Illinois STARNET for these interactive workshops
to investigate and discuss The National Association for the Education of Young Children’s newly revised (4th edition) Developmentally Appropriate Practices Position Statement and the Division of
Early Childhood’s Recommended Practices.

Together, we will learn how to implement and sustain
evidenced based, developmentally appropriate practices that provide a physical, emotional, and
cognitive environment conducive to development and learning for all learners.


The series is designed
for teachers, classroom assistants, family specialists and administrators.
Inclusive Education Series for Families

Join us for this kick off to the Inclusive Education Series for Families October 20 from 6:30 to 7:30 pm. We will focus on understanding inclusion by defining inclusion, the benefits and how important inclusion can be in the life of a young child. We will have a special guest self advocate share their experience with inclusion and their perspective. The series will highlight content from the Understanding Inclusion modules Early CHOICES and EITP have created with families for families.

Please remember to register for each date in this series:
November 10, 2023: Inclusive Education Family Series: Building Relationships
January 19, 2023: Inclusive Education Family Series: LRE & Inclusive Practices
February 16, 2023: Inclusive Education Family Series: Benefits of Inclusion
March 16, 2023: Inclusive Education Family Series: Inclusive Settings and Goal Writing
April 20, 2023: Inclusive Education Family Series: Implementing Inclusion and Next Steps
Looking for more Professional Development?

The Illinois State Board of Education hosts a Professional Development Calendar


Early CHOICES, Illinois STAR NET and Early Childhood Professional Learning all post their events on this calendar. The calendar allows users to sort by topic. Just chose Early Childhood to see all the wonderful opportunities for professional learning for early childhood professionals in Illinois.

Not finding what you are looking for?
Check out these sites for on demand learning opportunities
STAR NET (look for On Demand list upper right hand corner)
Early CHOICES (look for Early Childhood Outcomes, Educational Environments, Inclusion Policy Modules and Understanding Inclusion)
Contact us with questions or inquiries into targeted technical assistance for your early care and education program at