IDA PUBLIC POLICY

Advocacy
One of the goals of IDA is to advocate for prevention and improved early intervention for young children (birth to 3) with disabilities and those at risk for developing disabilities and their families.  IDA’s public policy committee provides the lead in keeping the organization informed about and involved in the public policy domain to support the rights of young children with special needs and assist in promoting the early intervention programs and services that they receive.

IDA's public policy committee analyzes pressing policy issues related to laws and regulations, communicates key findings and program performance results, and makes recommendations to the organization for appropriate actions in the form of strategies to ensure quality outcomes. Key actions to support and address current public policy issues and concerns include:

IDA representation on public and private advisory councils and groups,

IDA attendance and/or representation at public meetings, hearings and forums,

IDA board member meetings with representatives of the state legislature, agencies and organizations to discuss early intervention issues.

IDA sponsored workshops, public forums, position statements and letter writing,

IDA public policy newsletter articles, surveys and special bulletins that reach out to the IDA membership, families, providers and the general public to encourage them to volunteer and be actively involved in federal, state and local advocacy efforts. For information on Laws, Regulations and Policies related to early intervention and Early Start Click Here

Child Care/Early Care & Education Alliance Platform
IDA recently voted at its interim meeting to sign onto the Child Care/Early Care & Education Alliance Platform. It is an opportunity to join child care coordinators, resource and referral agencies, professional organizations, researchers, academics, advocacy organizations, service providers, educators, and caregivers uniting around common principles to guide policy work. Please see the link to the Principles and Sign-on form (PDF or DOC).

A Broader, Bolder Approach for Education
Bolder Approach's Co-Chair , Pedro Noguera, announced it is calling " for the identification of community support systems that can effectively work to narrow the disheartening achievement gap that exists in America". "A Broader, Bolder Approach for Education" report released indicates that Leave No Child Behind is not succeeding in improving the quality of education for US children. The report and sign on process that is being heralded with ads in major newspapers marks the beginning of a long-term effort to persuade federal, state and local policymakers to consider a more enriching framework. Additional information can be found at www.boldapproach.org. Please see the Press Release, as well as the Broader, Bolder Approach Statement (PDF files).


Press Release: The Campaign for High Quality Early Learning Standards

ACTION SURVEY ATTACHMENT

2007 LEGISLATIVE ROSTER

Click Here for Early Learning Standards – Dr. Sharon Lynn Kagan presentation – November 19, 2005.  IDA is pleased to present to members Dr. Kagan’s information and power point presentation.

Click Here to get Current Information
This link is useful for families and advocates to receive current reports and protest rally information on California issues related to persons with disabilities and their families.

Click Here for Public Policy Resources and Other Related Links
The links provided are useful for obtaining information on a variety of subjects.
Coming Soon links on, "How You can be actively involved in Public Policy issues, concerns and activities through IDA."

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