States maintaining children with disabilities within childcare facilities
In a significant development, states across the nation are taking strides to provide better support for children with disabilities in child care settings. This shift is particularly noticeable in states like Ohio and Vermont, where specialized training programs have been established to equip child care providers with the necessary skills to cater to the unique needs of these children.
Ohio, for instance, has introduced a tiered training program called Ohio PROMISE. This initiative, launched following a call from the governor to improve child care access for children with disabilities, features a three-level training system. This system includes customized coaching to address specific needs, such as communication with nonverbal children [1][2].
Vermont, on the other hand, employs online training programs aimed at inclusion of young children with disabilities [1].
Texas is also making efforts in this direction, increasing funding and conducting studies to better serve children with disabilities in early childhood. However, dedicated training programs for child care providers specifically geared towards children with disabilities have not yet been fully implemented in Texas, but are under consideration [3][5].
Other states are also working towards similar goals of inclusive child care, though detailed program descriptions are mainly available for Ohio, Vermont, and Texas at this time [1][2].
In Illinois, a new law has been passed that requires hospitals to distribute detailed information on early intervention to most families with severely premature infants [4]. This bill, proposed by state Rep. Janet Yang Rohr, awaits action by the governor [4].
This news comes as a relief to child care directors like Selina Likely, a director in Columbus, Ohio. Likely's daughter was abruptly kicked out of her daycare center for biting, leaving her mother with little recourse [6].
The organization, a nonprofit, independent news organization focused on inequality and innovation in education, keeps educators and the public informed about pressing issues in schools and on campuses. Their work is free to all readers, and they encourage readers to join them in their mission [7].
Readers can stay updated on this and other pressing issues by signing up for the organization's newsletter [8]. This story focuses on children with disabilities, a population that deserves our utmost attention and support.
References:
[1] Child Care Aware of America
[2] Ohio PROMISE
[3] Texas Workforce Commission
[4] Illinois News Network
[5] Texas Education Agency
[6] The Columbus Dispatch
[7] The Hechinger Report
[8] The Hechinger Report: Newsletter Signup
- Although Texas is increasing efforts to serve children with disabilities in early childhood, it currently lacks dedicated training programs for child care providers, as observed in Ohio and Vermont.
- The Hechinger Report, an organization that focuses on inequality and innovation in education, emphasizes the importance of learning and self-development for children with disabilities.
- While Illinois has passed a law requiring hospitals to distribute early intervention information to families with severely premature infants, it remains unclear if state-specific child care training programs like Ohio PROMISE will be established in Illinois.
