2025 International Inclusion Institute

Ruth Gallucci serves as the National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE) State Early Childhood Special Education Affinity Group (ECSE AG) Liaison, as well as a Technical Assistance Consultant for the Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (ECTA) and the Center for IDEA Early Childhood Data Systems (DaSy). For twelve years, she served as Rhode Island’s 619 Coordinator, directing state preschool special education initiatives relative to child outcomes, early childhood environments, Early Intervention transition, and Child Find. Between 2018 and 2023, Ruth was elected and sat on the NASDSE 619 Executive Board, where she served as Chair, Co-Chair, and past Chair. Ruth originated the RI Itinerant Early Childhood Special Education (RI-IECSE) service-delivery model and associated professional development and technical assistance supporting educators in the provision of special education services embedded into the general education environment. She has centered her career on tackling complex and persistent issues affecting our schools and building systems that disrupt pervasive inequities and improve student outcomes. Her earliest passion for advocating for the equitable inclusion of children with disabilities led to a career focused on system change efforts at state, national, and local levels.Ruth Gallucci serves as the National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE) State Early Childhood Special Education Affinity Group (ECSE AG) Liaison, as well as a Technical Assistance Consultant for the Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (ECTA) and the Center for IDEA Early Childhood Data Systems (DaSy). For twelve years, she served as Rhode Island’s 619 Coordinator, directing state preschool special education initiatives relative to child outcomes, early childhood environments, Early Intervention transition, and Child Find. Between 2018 and 2023, Ruth was elected and sat on the NASDSE 619 Executive Board, where she served as Chair, Co-Chair, and past Chair. Ruth originated the RI Itinerant Early Childhood Special Education (RI-IECSE) service-delivery model and associated professional development and technical assistance supporting educators in the provision of special education services embedded into the general education environment. She has centered her career on tackling complex and persistent issues affecting our schools and building systems that disrupt pervasive inequities and improve student outcomes. Her earliest passion for advocating for the equitable inclusion of children with disabilities led to a career focused on system change efforts at state, national, and local levels.