What Is Inclusive Child Care?

Teacher and preschool girl

In the field of early childhood education, inclusion describes the practice of including children with disabilities in a child care setting with typically developing children of similar ages, with specialized instruction and support when needed. Federal law says that children with disabilities have a protected right to be educated in the least restrictive environment. For many children with special needs, being able to enjoy the experiences and relationships in a child care program isn’t out of reach.

Research has shown …

What Child Care Providers Need to Know about Disability Laws

Gavel and books

Child care providers sometimes receive requests to care for children with a special physical, emotional, or learning need. Before you set policies or make decisions about caring for children with special needs in your child care program, know that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides guidelines you are required to follow when you work with children with special needs. Here are some important points to remember about disability laws as they relate to child care programs.

The Americans with