The Americans with Disabilities Act guarantees children with disabilities the opportunity to participate in all activities of community life, including attending child care.
If you have questions about how your program can support all children, including children with special needs, or if you have concerns about a particular child’s behavior, health, communication, social relationships, or development contact the University of Maine, Center for Community Inclusion and Disability Studies, Child Care + ME (www.ccids.umaine.edu)
The staff offers problem solving assistance and training to support child care centers, child care homes, families, preschools, public schools, and community programs so that they may provide quality experiences for all children, including children with challenging behaviors and children with medical, physical, and developmental disabilities.
Inclusion Mentors are also available to providers. These Mentors are early care and education providers from various backgrounds including family child care, center-based teachers and center-based directors. All inclusion mentors have completed training and are prepared to offer assistance with:
- resources on inclusive practice
- individual problem solving and support
- connecting providers with other providers (networking)
Call the Child Care Options Training Coordinator for additional information.
For more information, please call or email us.
Call toll-free
1-800-525-2229
