According to a recent National Center for Education Statistics report, more families with children who have special needs are seeking child care and preschool options for their children. The number of special-needs children ages three- to five-years-old who have been helped under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act has nearly doubled in the last two decades.
Parents can choose to send their child to a traditional child care program or one that specializes in working with children with special needs and disabilities. It’s important to know that child care programs cannot refuse admission of a child to its program because of a disability. The program is required to evaluate the child’s needs and determine if and what accommodations can be made for that specific child. Then parents can determine if that program will benefit their child.
When looking for child care, all parents have the same questions: How do I start my search? What questions do I ask? Why is the quality of a program important? Prior blogs have spoken to the importance of finding high-quality care and learning programs and which questions are important to ask during your search. Below you will find information and resources specifically for helping families with special needs children find a child care program.
How Do You Find High-Quality Child Care Programs for a Special Needs Child?
Contact your local Child Care Resource and Referral agency. For help locating your local agency, contact Child Care Aware (1-800-424-2246).
Call the state agency or agencies responsible for children with special needs. Ask for local contacts.
Contact your local school district and local early intervention program for resources and help.
Ask other families.
Contact other national/state/local organizations such as Easter Seals (www.easterseals.com), whose members provide services to children with special needs.
What to Look For & Questions to Ask:
Is the physical space (inside and outside), materials and equipment set-up where it is accessible for my child? How can it be adapted to fit my child’s needs?
What is the adult involvement in peer interactions?
How will the program support my child’s interests and actively engage them in individual and social play activities?
What can we expect from the teacher when it comes to conflict resolution?
How will the teacher include my child and make them feel a part of the community? Will group activities be adapted so my child can participate?
Are the teachers qualified for special-needs education?
Is there a space for my child to have therapy work if needed?
More information: