Young children ages birth to 5 vary widely in their skills, knowledge, backgrounds, and abilities. Effective teaching for all children, especially those at risk for or diagnosed with disabilities, requires individualized teaching and learning opportunities to access, participate, and thrive in all early childhood settings.

This collection of resources provides information about evidence-based practices that support individualization and associated resources. These practices are aligned with the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework. The resources are organized around the eight topic areas of evidence-based practices identified in the Division for Early Childhood (DEC) Recommended Practices: Assessment, Environment, Family, Interaction, Instruction, Teaming and Collaboration, Transition, and Leadership. These recommended practices have been validated as having the strongest evidence-base for individualizing teaching and learning opportunities for all children.

Resources for each topic area are organized based on their level of impact for learning:

Knowledge Awareness Level
Resources that fall into this category provide basic information and do not include activities that draw participants in to respond or reflect.

Knowledge Acquisition Level
These resources provide useful information and activities that draw participants in to respond or reflect.

Knowledge Application Level
Resources in this category provide participants with the chance to try out what they have learned and receive immediate feedback.

Mastery Level
These resources include facilitator guides that coaches, faculty, and professional development providers can use to teach content and support others in developing related knowledge and skills.

Explore resources for each of the eight topic areas to support individualization.

Last Updated: May 29, 2024