THE ROLE OF THE STATE-DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION IN PROMOTING INTEGRATEDPLACEMENT OPTIONS FOR PRESCHOOLERS - VIEWS FROM THE FIELD

This article summarizes a qualitative research study sponsored by the Virginia Department of Education. Recommendations to the department to promote more opportunities for preschool integration were elicited fr om focus group and individual interviews with representatives from 11 Virginia school divisions that were providing integrated preschool pro grams. Recommendations included the provision of written information, staff development, changes in current personnel preparation, financial support, and state-level actions that emphasized interagency coordina tion. The Department of Education used these recommendations to develo p and implement a systematic plan to influence the initiation and ongo ing success of integration at the preschool level. A discussion of thi s plan and its applicability to systems-change efforts in other states is included.