Finding Child Care for a Child With Special Needs
Why is high-quality child care important for my child with Special needs?
In a high-quality child care environment, caregivers respond positively to differences in children's abilities, interests, and experiences. Children in the same environment, with and without disabilities, develop a greater appreciation of each other and of individual differences.
Your child with special needs will grow and learn physically, emotionally, intellectually, and socially alongside his/her peers.
Identifying High-Quality in Child Care
Look, listen, and ask.
- Are families and children welcomed, and are children greeted in a loving, respectful way?
- Is the overall atmosphere welcoming and child-focused, without being overwhelming.
- Are the caregivers and teaching practices responsive to differences in children's abilities, interests, and experiences?
- Are child care personnel willing to work with you and develop individual goals for your child and plans to achieve them?
- Does the program accept children who are not yet walking or toilet-trained?
- Is communication open between staff and parents? Are caregivers always ready to respond?
- Is the facility safe, secure, and physically accessible (i.e., ramps, outside play area, bathrooms)?
How do I select a high-quality child care program for my child with special needs?
- Call the state agencies responsible for children with special needs. Ask for local contacts.
- Contact your local school district and local early intervention program for help 503-675-4000
- Contact other national/state/local organizations such as Easter Seals (www.Easterseals.org)
- Disability Navigator (www.disabilitynavigator.com)
- Contact Child Care Resource and Referral for personalized referrals 503-675-4100 or toll free 1-866-371-4373
- Inclusive Child Care Program 971-673-2286
Child Care Resource and Referral offers one-on-one counseling and help with finding child care for a special needs child. If you would like to have more information or need a referral, you may either fill out the following form and we will call you for details regarding your needs, or you may call our main line at 503-675-4100 or 1-866-371-4373.
Child Care Referral Form
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