Welcome back to Think inclusive, where each week we bring you conversations about inclusive education, and what inclusion looks like in the real world. I'm so glad you hit play on this episode because for the next two episodes, we are putting a spotlight on early childhood education. And not only that, but Inclusive Early Childhood Education. Here's a little bit about our guests. Christina Casper, Zach is a renowned leader in early intervention and special education. As the director of the Toronto's technical assistance projects at Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute University in North Carolina Chapel Hill, she has been pivotal in enhancing services for young children and their families. With over 15 years and program evaluation. Christina co directs the ECE TA Center and leads the daisy center, a National Technical Assistance Center that works with states to support Ida early intervention and early childhood special education state programs. She's a co author on guides on cultural and linguistic diversity in early childhood, and is dedicated to promoting anti racist and equitable practices in the field. Her work is instrumental in shaping effective inclusive systems for children with disabilities, ensuring every child and family receives equitable opportunities and outcomes. Dr. Megan Vin is a transformative leader and advocate for inclusive education. At the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute University in North Carolina Chapel Hill, she spearheads initiatives to reform early care systems for children with disabilities. As co director of both the STEMI and E CTA centers, Dr. VINs experience and program evaluation drives systemic change towards equity. Her efforts focus on reducing disparities and fostering inclusive environments and early education. a published author and former CEC division early childhood executive board member, her work is a testament to her commitment to equity, and community in early childhood education. In this episode of thinking inclusive, we discussed the importance of inclusive education for young learners with disabilities and how the EC TA Center supports state administrators in developing equitable and effective systems. We also highlight the indicators of high quality, inclusion, and share success stories from communities that have embraced inclusive practices. Before we get into today's conversation, a special thanks to the Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center and the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute for collaborating on bringing more content, focusing on inclusion in early childhood education. And now, my conversation with Christina Casper, Zack and Dr. Megan Vin. And stay tuned for free time this week. For a message from self advocate, Hannah Brammer, part of the together we're better campaign brought to you by the arc of Maryland, the Maryland State Department of Education, the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council, and the Maryland Department of Disabilities.