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What is Inclusion?
Inclusion is more than the presence of children
with disabilities or other special needs in
early childhood programs; it is the full and
active participation of all children and their
families, whether typically developing or with
disabilities or other special needs in community
activities, services, and programs. Support,
accommodations, or modifications, when needed,
are provided appropriately to ensure full,
active participation for all children. One
indicator of a high quality early childhood
program is successful inclusion of children with
special needs. -As endorsed by the
Alameda County Child Care Planning Council and
the Committee on Special Needs.
What is the purpose of the
Inclusion Project?
The purpose of the Inclusion Project is to provide an
enhanced resource and referral service to parents who
are in search of child care referrals or community
resources for their child with a special need or
disability. The Inclusion Services Coordinator is
responsible for providing resources, support and
technical assistance to child care providers who care
for children with special needs through workshops and
trainings, email correspondence, phone conversations and
site visits.
What is the goal of the
Inclusion Project?
The goal of the Inclusion Project is to increase the
capacity of child care providers in the Tri-Valley area
serving children with special needs and other
disabilities as well as to provide resource & referral
services to assist families in locating and maintaining
child care services for children with special needs.
What are the benefits of the
Inclusion Project?
Inclusion benefits everyone from day to day. Children
who are registered in a program that offers an inclusive
environment learn from each of their peers. This is a
learning opportunity for the children’s parents and
their teachers as well. Children enrolled in a program
regardless of their ability learn social skills,
behavior management, and every day academic and learning
skills by sharing their daily experiences with their
friends. As parents and providers we must remember that
children are children first, with some children who just
so happen to have a special need.
How can I learn more about the Inclusion Project?
For more information on how to receive an enhanced
referral or to learn more about the Inclusion Project,
please call the Child Care Links Inclusion Services
Coordinator at (925) 417-8733.
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