Finding Care
For Children With Special Needs
Child Care Referrals
Child Action, Inc. offers enhanced child care referral
to parents with children with special needs. This additional
service allows parents to work directly with Child Action,
Inc.’s Child Care Information Specialists in their
search for child care.
For more information about this service, please call
Child Action, Inc.’s public referral line at (916)
369-0191.
All parents, regardless of their children’s
need or family circumstance, deserve quality child care.
To assist you in your search, we have designed a short
checklist, which focuses on care for children with special
needs. As you look over the list, you will want to make
revisions that meet your child’s individual needs
and your family values. While you search, you don’t
need to tell each provider your child’s whole
story, which will come later as you narrow your search
down to a few providers. In the beginning, just keep
it simple. You should, however, give each provider enough
balanced, appropriate information so that the provider
can begin to think about how to provide appropriate
care for your child.
Checklist
- What are your child’s special needs?
- What are your expectations of child care? Are you
looking for special education services? Are your expectations
realistic?
- Does the provider have experience caring for special
needs children? Would you be willing to work with
someone who is interested in learning?
- Is the provider open and responsive or do you sense
reluctance in treating your child as other children
are treated? How does the provider interact with your
child during the visit?
- Is the facility/home wheel chair accessible, if
needed?
- What adaptive equipment does your child use? Can
this equipment be transported to child care?
- How are meals and snacks served? What are the sleeping
and toileting arrangements?
- Does the provider have experience in providing
a special diet or in feeding techniques?
- Inform the provider about how your child communicates
wants or needs: by talk, crying, gestures, signs,
or a combination of techniques.
- Does the provider know sign language, if needed?
- Will the provider accept direction from your physician/clinic,
if needed? Will the provider work well with your child’s
established support team?
- Tell the provider about the kinds of activities
that are very difficult for your child.
- Tell the provider about the kinds of activities
your child especially enjoys and does well.
Additional Information
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