Finding child care for a child with special needs can be an overwhelming experience. While there are providers in the Upstate who are willing to work with special needs children, be prepared to invest significant time in finding the right one for your situation.
For purposes of this discussion, the term "special needs" identifies children with physical and/or mental disabilities such as cerebral palsy, autism, or Down syndrome.
When exploring child care options for the special needs child, be prepared to ask a lot of questions. ( a list of potential general questions can be found here )- The child care provider will probably have many questions for you, but you should take the lead. Inform the caregiver as much as possible about your child. If you are asked to bring along your child to the meeting, do not hesitate.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 should be of great assistance to you. ADA Title III specifically prohibits public accommodations from discriminating against a person with disabilities on the basis of the disability. Public accommodations include child care centers. Children with a disability and their parents must be provided an equal opportunity to participate in the child care's programs and services. Go to www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/adahom1.htm and look for "Commonly Asked Questions About Child Care and the ADA". These questions should help you in your search for quality child care.
Two other websites that address this specific issue are Child Care Choices of Boston and Connect for Kids.
Contributing Author - Paula White, Community Volunteer and Parent
NOTE: This post is intended as information only. It is NOT the intention of this blog or the people or organizations posting on it or hosting it to replace medical or other healthcare advice, common sense, or good judgment but to serve as one resource for helping Spartanburg County parents make informed decisions about their young children.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Helpful Sites
The following list of links provide a variety of information regarding early childhood development and the care of young children.
American Academy of Pediatrics (http://www.aap.org/)
Information concerning children’s health, wellness, and safety.
American Academy of Pediatric Dentists (http://www.aapd.org/)
Information for parents concerning dental issues.
American Psychological Association (http://www.apa.org/)
Information on children’s developmental and mental health issues.
Born Learning (http://www.bornlearning.org/)
Gives parents and other caregivers ideas about how to turn everyday experiences into fun learning opportunities.
Child Care Aware (www.childcareaware.org/en)
Helps parents find the best information on locating quality child care and child care resources.
Child Care Resource and Referral of Upstate, SC (http://www.childcarehelpline.org/)
Information about “how to choose” and evaluate quality child care in the Upstate, plus resources on various parenting issues.
National Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies (http://www.naccrra.org/) Mission is to ensure that families in every community have access to high-quality, affordable child care.
National Association for the Education of Young Children (www.naeyc.org/families)
Information about quality child care programs and educational activities that parents can do at home with their children.
National Child Care Information Center (www.nccic.org/index.html)
A national clearinghouse and technical assistance center that links parents, providers, policy-makers, researchers, and the public to early care and education information.
PBS Parents (www.pbs.org/parents)
Information about child development from birth through the early school years; educational activities to help children get ready for school; and information about PBS KIDS programs.
Scholastic Parents (www.scholastic.com/parents/index.asp)
Articles and activities for each developmental stage of childhood.
SC DSS Division of Child Care Services (www.state.sc.us/dss/childcare/index.html)
Information concerning the state child care regulations.
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (http://www.cpsc.gov/)
Information about products (toys, cribs, etc.) that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard or can injure children.
ZERO TO THREE (http://www.zerotothree.org/)
Information about the healthy development and well-being of infants, toddlers and their families.
Contributing Author - Ida Thompson, Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System
NOTE: This post is intended as information only. It is NOT the intention of this blog or the people or organizations posting on it or hosting it to replace medical or other healthcare advice, common sense, or good judgment but to serve as one resource for helping Spartanburg County parents make informed decisions about their young children.
American Academy of Pediatrics (http://www.aap.org/)
Information concerning children’s health, wellness, and safety.
American Academy of Pediatric Dentists (http://www.aapd.org/)
Information for parents concerning dental issues.
American Psychological Association (http://www.apa.org/)
Information on children’s developmental and mental health issues.
Born Learning (http://www.bornlearning.org/)
Gives parents and other caregivers ideas about how to turn everyday experiences into fun learning opportunities.
Child Care Aware (www.childcareaware.org/en)
Helps parents find the best information on locating quality child care and child care resources.
Child Care Resource and Referral of Upstate, SC (http://www.childcarehelpline.org/)
Information about “how to choose” and evaluate quality child care in the Upstate, plus resources on various parenting issues.
National Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies (http://www.naccrra.org/) Mission is to ensure that families in every community have access to high-quality, affordable child care.
National Association for the Education of Young Children (www.naeyc.org/families)
Information about quality child care programs and educational activities that parents can do at home with their children.
National Child Care Information Center (www.nccic.org/index.html)
A national clearinghouse and technical assistance center that links parents, providers, policy-makers, researchers, and the public to early care and education information.
PBS Parents (www.pbs.org/parents)
Information about child development from birth through the early school years; educational activities to help children get ready for school; and information about PBS KIDS programs.
Scholastic Parents (www.scholastic.com/parents/index.asp)
Articles and activities for each developmental stage of childhood.
SC DSS Division of Child Care Services (www.state.sc.us/dss/childcare/index.html)
Information concerning the state child care regulations.
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (http://www.cpsc.gov/)
Information about products (toys, cribs, etc.) that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard or can injure children.
ZERO TO THREE (http://www.zerotothree.org/)
Information about the healthy development and well-being of infants, toddlers and their families.
Contributing Author - Ida Thompson, Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System
NOTE: This post is intended as information only. It is NOT the intention of this blog or the people or organizations posting on it or hosting it to replace medical or other healthcare advice, common sense, or good judgment but to serve as one resource for helping Spartanburg County parents make informed decisions about their young children.
Monday, July 23, 2007
How to Report a Complaint against a Child Care Center
Reports should be made to the local DSS office. The following contact information should be used – or click here for the link to the same information:
Physical Address:
Spartanburg County DSS
Evans Human Resources Center
142 S. Dean Street
Spartanburg, SC 29304
Mailing Address:
P O Drawer 3548
Spartanburg, SC 29304
Telephone:
General Information (864) 596-3001
Physical Address:
Spartanburg County DSS
Evans Human Resources Center
142 S. Dean Street
Spartanburg, SC 29304
Mailing Address:
P O Drawer 3548
Spartanburg, SC 29304
Telephone:
General Information (864) 596-3001
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)