sponsored by the arc maryland and the maryland developmental disabilities council a series of...
TRANSCRIPT
Sponsored by The Arc Maryland and
The Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council
A series of webinars providing the tools, information, and ideas for people with developmental disabilities and families to improve quality of life
and effect change!
• September 24: Making Inclusive Child Care a Reality
• October 15: Post Secondary Options for Transitioning Youth: What’s Next after High School?
• November 19: Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE): New Opportunities to Save for Disability Related Expenses
Rachel LondonDirector, Children & Family Policy
Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council
www.md-council.org
Steve RohdeDeputy Director
Maryland Family Network410-659-7701 x 240
[email protected] http://www.marylandfamilynetwork.org
MAKING INCLUSIVE CHILD CARE A REALITY
WHO WE ARE
Our mission is to ensure that all young children and
families have the resources to succeed.
Our mission is to advance the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all facets of community life by eliminating barriers, creating opportunities, empowering people, and promoting innovation
OBJECTIVES
Participants will:
• Receive tips on partnering with early childhood educators/childcare providers
• Learn about the resources educators/professionals can access to support children with disabilities
• Identify tools & resources to help families
• Envision inclusion working for all children with disabilities
Despite the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements that child care and out of school time providers make
reasonable accommodations for children with disabilities,
families all across the country still have a difficult time accessing and keeping child
care and out of school time activities.
BENEFITS OF INCLUSION FOR ALL CHILDREN• Provides opportunities to socialize with a wide array of
children with different needs, strengths, and interests
• Encourages compassion for and understanding of all people which establishes a welcoming environment
• Provides unique learning opportunities for the child with and the child without a disability
• Individualized instruction increases child interest and engagement
• Adaptations and modifications will benefit others, in addition to the child they were intended
INFLUENCE ON SCHOOL READINESS“High quality early learning affords children the opportunity for school, workplace, and life success.” (MSDE, 2015).
MSDE’s Readiness Matters!: 2014-2015 Maryland Model for School Readiness Report indicates that:
• Only 20% of young children with disabilities entered kindergarten fully ready to learn compared to 49% of their peers without disabilities.
PARTNERSHIPS ARE KEYFamilies
• Establish rapport, trust, and open communication• Gain insight into the child’s strengths, needs, and interests• Support the family • Encourage all families to engage with the program• Recognize that a family with a child with a disability has similar (if
not the same) needs as families of typically developing children
Children
• Engage the children and provide appropriate support and encouragement
• Provide opportunities for interaction and socializing
PARTNERSHIPS ARE KEY
Therapists and Specialists
• Open the door to anyone that will be working with the child while in your care
• Find out what you can do to support the work of the specialists
• Encourage families to utilize available services
• Recognize your role in the services process
PROVIDERS ARE LEARNING THEY CAN DO IT
Be open-minded about individuals with disabilities
Consider the unique needs of every child
Welcome all families and establish a partnership from the beginning
Avoid stereotyping the child by a symptoms associated with a diagnosis
Welcome specialists into your program
Provide opportunities for children of all abilities to interact and learn together
Ask for assistance when needed – call your Child Care Resource Center, local ARC, or the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center
POSSIBLE ACCOMMODATIONS AND ADAPTATIONS
Adaptive tools, such as weighted blankets or light dimmers
Modified activities, such as moving to a table or floor
Modified instructional materials, such as large-print or Braille books
Modified schedule
Communication enhancement devices, such as if/then boards or visual schedules
STATEWIDE QUALITY IMPROVEMENT INITIATIVES
The state is helping early childhood educators (childcare providers) support children with disabilities.
EXCELLENCE COUNTS IN EARLY LEARNING AND SCHOOL AGE CARE
CENTER FOR TECHNOLOGY IN EDUCATION
QUALITY STANDARDS INCLUDE CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIESMaryland continues to increase initiatives to improve the quality of child care and out of school time programs (e.g., Maryland EXCELS).
• Dimensions of quality as they relate to inclusive practices are incorporated into the Maryland EXCELS standards, including requirements that programs have defined policies and procedures, make specific professional development efforts, involve parents and make resources available, and observe each child’s individual progress.
REQUIRED TRAINING
A newly developed and mandated training on the ADA and inclusive practices for all child care providers.
Over 14,000 people!
- Regulatory change
- 125 trainers have been trained
- Videos developed by the Maryland DD Council will be included
MORE TRAININGThe MSDE Office of Child Care training approval process was revamped and all approved child care courses and workshops must include information on how the subject areas apply to children with disabilities.
• The Office of Child Care also modified the credentialing program for child care providers.
• The modifications require more training, including training about children with disabilities, inclusion and the Americans with Disabilities Act; however, less than 10% of all providers are credentialed.
• DD Council funded an online module about supporting children with developmental disabilities in child care. Developed by MFN.
• Workforce Development & Master Plan
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Coaching and mentoring – Making Access Happen
Increased collaboration - Office of Child Care and the Division of Special Education/Early Intervention Services.
Strategic Planning - Division of SE/EIS strategic plan – 4 action imperatives, 1 on early childhood (to narrow the school readiness gap).
Expanded resources - LOCATE services (MFN), ECMH Consultation Project, Early Childhood Advisory Council
Referrals to child care providers 24/7 online at http://www.marylandfamilynetwork.org/programs-services/locate/
Call a Parent Referral Specialist (Toll-Free) 877.261.0060 Monday-Friday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
Education on choosing quality child care
Referrals to other services
General consumer and community education
FREE Child Care Referrals
LOCATE: SPECIAL NEEDS SERVICESFunded by MSDE Division of Special Education and Early Intervention Services
Telephone Counseling Services with Specialist
FY 2014:
• 800 parents served• 1,107 children served
Maryland Child Care Resource Network (MCCRN)
Individualized support with:
Licensing and Registration
Consultation
Technical Assistance
Training
Updating Files
Referrals to other services
Helping Hands
Rachel LondonDirector, Children & Family Policy
Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council
www.md-council.org
Steve RohdeDeputy Director
Maryland Family Network410-659-7701 x 240
[email protected] http://www.marylandfamilynetwork.org
QUESTIONS?