The Illinois Early Learning Project is a source of evidence-based, reliable information on early care and education for families, caregivers, and teachers of young children in Illinois.
What’s New on IEL?
Supporting Children’s Problem-Solving Skills in Project Approach Work: What is the Teacher’s Role?
As a project progresses, one challenge that teachers face is knowing how much to get involved. When and how do we offer support or guidance, and when do we step back and help children as they wonder and problem solve?
Picture Books Featuring Characters with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
The books listed here can help educators, parents, and young children as they begin to learn about ASD. These books can also support young children with ASD and their families by providing representation and highlighting the value of different experiences, strengths, communication styles, and family relationships.
Informed Clinical Opinion as it Relates to IDEA Part C
Informed clinical opinion helps Early Intervention providers ensure that decisions about a child’s eligibility are not based on just one test score or piece of information. Instead, professionals use their experience and judgment along with information from multiple sources during the evaluation and assessment process. The regulations in Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) encourage this broader approach so that evaluations better reflect a child’s strengths and needs and help ensure that services match what the child and family need.
