California MAP to Inclusion and Belonging: Making Access Possible 

Searching for resources to support the inclusion of children with disabilities online can be overwhelming, with often unreliable and inaccurate information, as well as inappropriate age targets or expensive, ineffective products. MAP provides a trustworthy starting point for finding accurate and relevant resources.​​ 

Purpose

​​​The California MAP to Inclusion & Belonging is dedicated to fostering a statewide system of support that champions belonging and inclusion within early care and education programs as well as after-school and community environments. Our mission is to provide comprehensive support, training, and resources that empower families and educators to create inclusive spaces where every child can thrive. ​​​​With funding from the California Department of Social Services Quality Initiatives, the MAP project website contains the most up-to-date links and resources in the early childhood, after-school, and education fields. Resources include materials in multiple languages, videos, training PowerPoints, and more. The quarterly MAP Newsletter provides updates about the latest resources and professional development opportunities supporting inclusion. 

Audiences Served

MAP develops materials and serves as a clearinghouse of resources and information for individuals, organizations, early educators, early learning and care providers, community college and university instructors, and families about inclusive practices, including current information on successful state and local initiatives. 

Project Activities

Key Activities 

• MAP distributes a quarterly newsletter that addresses a topic of interest and links to many of the new or updated resources on the MAP website. 
• WestEd staff share information about the resources on the MAP website in many presentations and at state level and regional meetings. 
• The MAP team develops training PowerPoints writes articles on inclusion topics. 
• WestEd works with the California Department of Social Services quarterly to keep the website resources up to date.

Project Director

Linda Brault

Linda Brault is a Project Director for a trio of projects that focus on successful inclusion of young children with disabilities or behavior challenges. Her practical strategies, deep expertise, and years of experience help her tailor training, coaching, and leadership team development for clients large and small. 

Funder

California Department of Social Services, Child Care and Development Division

Project Duration

2007–Current