Systematic Disparities in Early Childhood Disability Services: Provider Training and Service Gaps

• In Event: Reimagining Inclusion and Equity in Early Childhood Education

Abstract

This study examined disability service disparities among 4,292 childcare providers using RAPID national survey. Despite federal inclusion mandates, only 37.9% of providers served children with disabilities, revealing stark inequities. Center-based providers served children at nearly double the rate of home-based providers (57.2% vs. 28.8%). Racial disparities were profound: White providers served children with disabilities at more than twice the rate of Black providers (52.1% vs. 25.2%). Most striking, lower-income providers were twice as likely to serve children with disabilities (42.9% vs. 20.7%) yet received significantly less specialized training (34.9% vs. 57.6%). Only 34.5% of providers were consistently included in IFSP/IEP planning. These systematic disparities perpetuate historical segregation patterns; with those most engaged in disability services receiving least institutional support.

Authors

• Priyanshi Sharma, Stanford University

• Melissa Mares, Stanford University

• Sihong Liu, Stanford University

• Phil Fisher, Stanford University