Frequently Asked Questions - Center For Inclusive Child Care

F.A.Q.

Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.)

Q. What is the definition of "child with special needs?"

A. For this project, "special needs" is defined as any additional supports needed for a child to be successful in the early care and education or when cared for in out of school time. The definition is broad to support children in accessing and participating in the early care and education or school age care settings.

"Additional supports" is defined as any adaptation to the typical early care and education program or when caring for children in out of school time. This may include an increase in staff ratios due to the child's developmental or special health needs, and/or the need to provide support and education to the provider to meet the needs of the child within the desired setting. This includes children qualifying for special education and children with significant environmental and/or health factors, which, in the absence of support, create barriers to the child's optimal achievement. Environmental factors may include poverty and children whose parents, due to a condition, disability or age may require support to fulfill parent responsibilities. Examples of such situations include mental health issues, developmental delay, sensory impairment, a history of abuse or neglect, children determined to be at risk of abuse or neglect, chemical dependency, intra-familial violence, homelessness, or children of a minor parent. In addition, children affected by a federal or state declared disaster may be considered under this definition.

In order to qualify for some supports or services, the child may need to meet specific eligibility criteria .

Q. Why should a child with special needs be in a community setting?

Aren't they better served in a segregated program? What are the benefits? Why would a parent of a child with typical needs want their child in an inclusive program?

A. When children with special needs are included in community early care and education settings, everyone benefits: all children, all families, all professionals, and all communities. Parents and professionals may choose to provide a segregated program for children based upon the child's needs, but children should be given the opportunity to be included whenever possible.
View a handout  of the benefits and definition of inclusion.

Q. There are so many acronyms and terminology that are used, how do I better understand and interpret these?

A. This is very challenging. Please remind professionals to use acronyms carefully and to explain them to you. You can also make use of this acronym reference sheet. Please also visit our Inclusion page under "Consultation" on the main menu for a comprehensive glossary.

Q. I hear about "person-first" language, can you explain this?

A. "Person-first" language is the preferred order for talking about anyone, including persons with disability. It pronounces the importance of seeing the person first, with the disability or special needs being a characteristic. Check this reference sheet.



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