Inclusive child care means all children have access to and participation in high-quality programs that have supports for staff to create inclusive experiences.
The Americans with Disabilities and Rehabilitation Act have requirements that affect child care programs in the following ways:
Any program receiving federal financial assistance (such as CACFP or CCDF) may not discriminate, exclude or deny access to a qualified individual with a disability.
Businesses, including child care centers and homes, must comply with basic nondiscrimination requirements that prohibit exclusion, segregation and unequal treatment, including architectural standards and reasonable accommodations.
Access may look like:
Transition polices that do not exclude a child from moving classrooms because of physical and developmental ability. Potty training policies that do not exclude a child with developmental delays or disabilities because of their ability to use the bathroom.
Participation may look like:
A variety of activities in the classroom that meet the same learning goal (i.e. children will play with letters or find letters). Willingness to use individual supports to help a child participate in play and learning opportunities.
Supports may look like:
Caregivers and team members allow outside resources such as First Steps, school systems or private therapists to provide services on-site. Caregivers and staff engaging with families and seeking their support.
Early childhood inclusion means all children have access to high-quality early childhood programs. With access, they gain membership and meaningful participation in a learning community. Inclusion in high-quality care supports the right of all children and their families to find a sense of belonging.
Access
All children have access to education within in programs alongside their same-age peers.
Participation
All children have what they need to participate and be engage in play and learning.
Supports
The child care program has supports for team members to create inclusive experiences and policies.
Right to High-Quality Care
Quality early childhood education supports every child’s individual needs and learning styles. Learn more about high-quality care through Paths to QUALITY™, Indiana’s quality and improvement system for child care.
Right to Legal Protections Under Law
Children with developmental delays and disabilities have legal protections under law to ensure their rights and equity. Learn more about your child’s and family’s legal rights through IN*SOURCE.
Right to Be Part of a Community
Children thrive in communities where they are respected and valued as community members. All children deserve to experience learning and social interactions alongside same-age peers.
Right to Be Respected for Themselves
Each child is unique and adds to their school culture and community. Children with developmental delays and disabilities have the right to receive individual support so they can access and experience the opportunities within the program.
From potty training to choosing child care, find helpful tips and tools for every step of your parenting journey.
