It’s Never Too Early – Employment Initiative

Principal Investigator
Kate Dean, Child Care Aware of Kentucky, Human Development Institute, University of Kentucky

Project Summary
Kentucky is an Employment First state where employment is considered the first and primary option for individuals with disabilities who want to work. However, poor transition outcomes for students with disabilities persist (Kentucky Post School Outcomes Center). There is a need for increased awareness of employment options, opportunities and resources, and practical ways that children and families can use to prepare for a future that includes employment. While planning for transition from school to employment typically happens for youth in high school, developing an understanding of employment can begin far younger, enhancing expectations of both families and professionals. Families and children with disabilities need timely, relevant and aspirational ways to explore careers, and continue refining the answer to the question: What do you want to be when you grow up?

This project will update and provide training on employment using Employment Checklist tools and related resources (available at https://hdi.uky.edu/employment-checklists). These resources were initially developed through a Kentucky family/advocacy workgroup as part of a Partnerships in Employment statewide systems change project. As part of this project, the early childhood checklist, targeting children aged three – five and their families, will be reviewed by families, staff and consultants with lived disability experience. The updated resources will be the central element of trainings offered to families and child care providers around the state.