Inclusive Early Childhood Education in Contra Costa County

Creating More Inclusive Early Childhood Education Programs in Contra Costa County:

Findings and Recommendations from a Community Engagement Process

First 5 Contra Costa led an inclusive community engagement process in partnership with Cardea to identify existing services, barriers/gaps, and inclusion models, and to gather community input on ways to improve early childhood programs’ ability to effectively include children with disabilities (diagnosed or undiagnosed), developmental delays, and social-emotional concerns, and their families.

Between March 2024 and July 2024, First 5 Contra Costa and Cardea, conducted interviews, focus groups, and meaning making sessions to understand ways to support inclusive spaces for children with disabilities.

In August 2024, First 5 Contra Costa and Cardea held two community convenings to share findings from the community engagement process, unveil emerging recommendations, and gather community perspectives and priorities related to the recommendations.