Special Needs and Inclusion
Child Care Aware® can help providers develop plans and maintain environments that enable children with special needs to learn, grow and play alongside others in a child care setting. Inclusion support services are available to home and center-based providers at no-cost.
What are the characteristics of an inclusive child care program?
• All children, with and without special needs, are together
• All children participate in daily routines and activities
• Enrollment is open to all children and families regardless of abilities, cultures, and backgrounds
• Focus is on the individual strengths of each child
• Child care professionals are flexibe and creative
Benefits of an inclusion program
Children in an inclusive child care/preschool program
• Experience a sense of belonging and feel part of their community
• Have better self esteem
• Develop a wider variety of friendships
• Have positive expectations about things they can do
• Learn from other children
• Share daily experiences
• Learn that people have different kinds of abilities
• Develop sensitivity and understanding towards others
• Learn to value differences in themselves and others
• Are encouraged to be resourceful, creative and cooperative
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Developmental Screenings
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Inclusion Tips & Guidelines
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A written health care plan (HCP) is required by licensing for those children with a diagnosed special need. These plans give care providers the vital information they need to manage the child’s condition on a daily basis, what to do in an emergency and how to help the child participate as fully as possible in the child care program.
CLICK HERE to view an expanded list of care plan options on our health and safety page.
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Autism
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Plagiocephaly - Flat Head
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Sensory
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Toilet Training
