Educational Improvement Programs are designed to address child care and school policies in assessment, curriculum design, placement, instructional methodology, professional development, governance, and funding that fosters inclusion of students with disabilities. Programs will focus on facilitating the development and acceptance of policies and standards that set high expectations for students with disabilities and will hold schools accountable for educational results beyond just compliance with regulations. Early Intervention Programs target children, birth to age eight, who have manifest or potential health or developmentally related disorders. Activities target the child's health, social, emotional, cognitive, and other developmental needs. Programs are designed to be family-centered, community inclusive, and culturally sensitive.
Attention is given to interagency collaboration and interdisciplinary team functioning.
School and Transition Services Programs are designed to address the needs of late elementary and secondary school-age children. Emphasis is placed on developing and evaluating practices that lead to the successful inclusion of children in regular classroom settings. Attention is also given to the transition needs of students moving from school to adult life. Programs target independent living, supportive and competitive employment, social and community inclusion, and access to postsecondary educational experiences. Aging Programs address the physiological, psychological, and environmental problems associated with aging.