MISD Hosts Roundtable On Supporting Early Learners With Disabilities

Mercer Island, WA, December 13, 2023 – The Mercer Island School District hosted a roundtable discussion today with Mercer Island preschool directors on supporting the inclusion of children with disabilities in early childhood programs. The roundtable took place in the boardroom of the MISD Administration Building. Preschools that are currently partnering with Mercer Island School District were invited to this special event.

Dr. Sue Ann Bube, MISD Director of Special Services, led the roundtable discussions, which focused on how MISD can support island preschools in providing high-quality early childhood programs to children with disabilities. Dr. Bube reports that 50% of island preschool students with disabilities are now served in their preschool programs on the island. 

“We are proud to lead the way in the state of Washington by partnering with local preschools and providing services in our community,” said Bube.

On November 28 the U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the release of an updated joint-policy statement on supporting the inclusion of children with disabilities in early childhood programs. The joint statement sets the expectation that inclusion continues as a child transitions into elementary school, emphasizes the need to increase public awareness and understanding of the science that supports inclusion of children with disabilities in early childhood programs, and reinforces the legal foundations that support inclusion. 

The HHS-ED Policy Statement on the Inclusion of Children with Disabilities in Early Childhood Programs includes a renewed commitment and urgency as children with disabilities continue to face barriers to accessing and fully participating in inclusive early childhood programs.

Each island preschool director was able to bring a staff member or guest to the roundtable discussion.