Child Care for Children with Special Needs

The first steps to finding quality care for your child with special needs are the same as for a child without disabilities or special needs. You will want to develop a list of potential providers, call them, visit them, revisit if necessary, and make your decision. Some other resources/steps in the process that might be helpful to you are listed below:

1. Call your local Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agency. In Christian, Logan, Macoupin, Mason, Menard, Montgomery, Morgan, Sangamon, or Scott counties in Illinois, call 1-800-676-2805.

2. Call state agencies responsible for children with special needs and ask for local contacts. The National Dissemination Center for Children with Disablitiies lists state agancies that can provide you with information and assistance about disability issues in your state.

3. Contact your local school district and local early intervention program. In Illinois, Child and Family Connections, will have resources that might be of help to you.

4. Ask other families about resources they use; they, as well as your local CCR&R, will know about community and resource support groups.

5. Additional questions you may want to ask providers regarding the care of your special needs child include:

• What are your guidelines and procedures involving children with special needs?
• How will my child be introduced to the other children and families in your program?
• What do you consider "Special Needs?"
• What type of training and professional development are provided for you and your staff?
• Would teaching staff be available to attend school district educational meetings with you?
• Are learning materials accessible to children with special needs?
• Will staff help you develop goals for your child and plans to achieve them?

Information on this page taken from:

"Choosing Quality Child Care for a Child with Special Needs," Child Care Aware, naccra.org.

National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities

Child and Family Connections