Initiatives

Responsive Technical Assistance

The NC DPI 619 Preschool Program and NC-TAPP Technical Assistance (TA) Specialists facilitate a network of local Preschool Exceptional Children Program Coordinators, providing opportunities to learn about national trends, state initiatives, cross-sector issues and network with other professionals. Staff also provides targeted training and TA to local program staff on specific federal mandates, state policies and procedures, and reporting requirements.

Inclusion Initiative

NC-TAPP TA Specialists facilitate an Inclusion Initiative in selected counties in NC. This cross-agency, multi-year collaborative planning process assists communities in increasing inclusive opportunities for young children with special needs, ages three through five years. Community preschool programs include, but are not limited to: Head Start, North Carolina Pre-K, Title 1 Preschool, Exceptional Children Preschool, developmental day programs, and child care. This initiative is designed to ensure high quality inclusive environments and improve child outcomes. Research suggests that high quality inclusive preschool programs within communities that are committed in working together long term to support and increase inclusive opportunities for young children with disabilities, will likely increase positive outcomes for all children and families. NC-TAPP TA Specialists assist local education agencies (LEAs) in enhancing and increasing inclusive opportunities by providing resources and technical assistance. Participating programs are assisted with

  • conducting a self-assessment of current practices
  • strategic planning to develop a three to five year plan for increasing and sustaining inclusive opportunities for young children with disabilities

North Carolina Department of Public Instruction Social Emotional Foundations for Early Learning (NCDPI SEFEL) Initiative

NC-TAPP TA Specialists support program wide implementation of the Pyramid Model for Supporting Social Emotional Competence in Infants and Young Children in selected NC public school preschool programs. The Pyramid Model was developed by the Center on the Social Emotional Foundation for Early Learning (CSEFEL) and Technical Assistance Center on Social Emotional Intervention (TACSEI). This is a research-based framework promoting the healthy social emotional development of young children and helping to reduce challenging behaviors. When implemented consistently over time the use of this model improves child outcomes and helps to facilitate the inclusion of children with special needs.

NC TAPP TA Specialists provide training and ongoing support to trainers and coaches who work within their local LEAs to ensure the model is implemented to fidelity. NC-TAPP TA Specialists also provide support to participating LEA leadership teams in developing a three to five year plan for system wide implementation of the Teaching Pyramid Model. The NCDPI SEFEL Initiative is a multi-year commitment by LEAs with support from NC-TAPP.