There are many high-quality childcare programs in our state. For children with disabilities, choosing an inclusive program, that cares for kids with and without special needs, provides a natural environment where children of all abilities can learn from each other and prepares them to be part of their wider community as adults.

Benefits of Inclusive Programs

Inclusive childcare programs can support a child to:

• • • grow and learn physically, emotionally, intellectually and socially alongside his or her peers
    • be more prepared to enter elementary school
    • learn skills to be more independent sooner
    • make friends and learn from a diverse group of children
    • learn in a natural environment

Identifying High-Quality Childcare

The first step to finding the right childcare for your child is to go for a visit. Ask questions and closely observe the staff and other children. If you like the program after visiting, ask if you can stop by again to observe at a different time and try to be there during a transition period like lunchtime, after time outside, or at drop-off.

It may also be helpful to talk with families whose children attend the childcare program. If you don’t know families, ask staff for a few names and then speak with these parents at a time when they can be honest about their thoughts and opinions.

These questions are a guide for families in the decision process to find a childcare program that is high quality and inclusive.¹

Overall Program Environment

• • • Is the atmosphere bright, cheerful and child-focused, without being overwhelming?
    • Is the physical environment safe, secure and physically accessible, including the playground and bathrooms?
    • Is there a daily balance of active and quiet activities?
    • Is there ample time and prompts to transition between activities for children who need a little extra time?
    • Do materials, books and pictures reflect diversity, including children with disabilities?

Partnering with Families and Therapists

• • • Is there open communication between childcare providers and families?
    • Is the childcare staff willing to work with you to develop goals for your child and make plans to achieve them?
    • Do they seek family input?
    • Are there opportunities for families to meet one another to attend events and celebrations?
    • Are therapists or other outside providers welcome to visit and give input?

Training and Materials

• • • Is staff trained and experienced in CPR, first-aid, and early childhood education?
    • If your child has specific needs, is staff willing and able to learn these skills to accommodate your child? 
    • Are there enough learning materials and toys?
    • Are the toys and other materials safe, clean and within reach of every child?

Funding for Supplemental Supports and Staffing

Families whose children are enrolled in the Children’s Long-Term Support (CLTS) Program may be able to add specific items to their child’s individual service plan (ISP) to support their needs while they are in a childcare setting. Examples of funded support may include:

• • • Extra staffing and supervision to meet a child’s exceptional needs
    • Purchase of special toys and art supplies
    • Purchase of communication devices, safety equipment or other materials that support a child’s goals

Be aware that CLTS funds can’t be used to pay the tuition for a childcare program if the child is under age 12.

Families who qualify for the Wisconsin Shares Child Care Subsidy Program may also be eligible for the special needs inclusion rate. These additional funds go directly to the childcare provider. For more information about this program read the brochure Together Children Grow and contact your county or tribal childcare coordinator. All decisions about higher subsidy amounts are handled on a case-by-case basis.

Think Creatively! 

Remember that modifications to make a childcare environment accessible don’t have to be expensive. Some examples include moving furniture around, turning the lights down at certain times to decrease stimulation, or adding picture cards for labeling toy boxes and shelves. These changes can have a positive impact on all children, including those with disabilities.

Learn More and Share with Child Care Providers:

• • • Wisconsin Department of Children and Families, What is Early Childhood Inclusion?
    • Early Childhood Inclusion Toolkit
    • Financial Support: Wisconsin Shares Child Care Inclusion Rate

INFORMATION AND RESOURCES

Wisconsin Wayfinder: Children’s Resource Network, 877-WiscWay (877-947-2929): Wisconsin Wayfinder offers families one name and phone number to find services for children with special health care needs. Wayfinder connects you to a resource guide at one of the five Children’s Resource Centers in your area.

*Thank you for United Cerebral Palsy of Dane County for many of these tips and ideas.

If you need this fact sheet as a pdf or other format contact Lynn at lynn@fvofwi.org.