Inclusion Program

KID”S First – Kids Inspired Daily Succeed First

The KID’S First project is a collaborative effort between Merced College Child Development Center and Merced County Office of Education focusing on full inclusion in the least restrictive environment for preschool-age children with severe handicaps.  The role of Merced College Child Development Center consists of providing a quality program and facility with experienced, well-educated staff and typically developing children.  The role of Merced County Office of Education is to provide a special education teacher, two qualified support aides, and children identified as severely handicapped.

Purpose:

Both the Merced College Child Development Center and Merced County Office of Education realize the benefits of including children with disabilities in classrooms with their typically developing peers.  Research provides support for including children with disabilities in least restrictive environments, providing learning opportunities for all children through hands-on experiences.  All children provided with competent models proved opportunity for acquisition of learning and expansion of existing skills.  Additionally, opportunity for learning exists through the modeling of typically developing peers.  Relationships are formed and opportunities exist for the development of healthy attitudes for parents, staff, and children.