The Inclusion Department at ChildCareGroup prioritizes and supports the needs of children with disabilities. Children with additional needs deserve the opportunity to engage in high-quality early childhood education and care alongside their peers.

What is Inclusion?

"Inclusion in early childhood programs refers to including children with disabilities in early childhood programs, together with their peers without disabilities; holding high expectations and intentionally promoting participation in all learning and social activities, facilitated by individualized accommodations; and using evidence-based services and supports to foster their development (cognitive, language, communication, physical, behavioral, and social-emotional), friendships with peers, and sense of belonging." - U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

What is Inclusion Support?

ChildCareGroup’s Inclusion Support Program seeks to improve access, eliminate participation barriers, and promote quality inclusive practices. This three-tier approach immerses children with additional needs into an inclusive learning environment. It also provides two-way learning opportunities between themselves and their typically developing peers. ChildCareGroup’s Inclusion Support Program aims to improve delivery of early learning programs for children with disabilities.

Inclusion support may include:

• Technical assistance and training from an Inclusion Specialist
• Inclusion Assistance Rate that can be used for adaptive equipment, one-to-one support, trainings, etc.
• Referrals and resources

Who is Eligible for Inclusion Support?

Children with identified disabilities, developmental delays, and behavior disorders can request assistance.
Children presenting challenging behaviors, such as trauma-related behavior, can also request support.

The Inclusion Process

Step 1:

• The parent or guardian must complete form 2419. Form 2419 is the Certification for Inclusion Assistance Rate document needed to determine eligibility for the inclusion rate. The three-page document includes two parts, Section I: Identifying Information and Section II: Child’s Needs, which aids in assessing the child's need for support and establishes the framework for meeting those individual needs.
• Provide documentation of the child’s disability, delay, or behavioral disorder. Documentation can include the following: ARD/IEP, IFSP or Eligibility Statement, Evaluation/Report from qualified professional, or Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits (SSDI).
• Submit 2419 form and support documentation

Step 2:

• The Inclusion Specialist will devise an initial action plan according to the child’s needs and communicate that plan with the parent or guardian and childcare provider.

Step 3:

• Conduct an observation visit at the childcare facility, if necessary. The purpose of the observation is to identify inclusion needs by considering the impact of classroom settings and practices.

Step 4:

• A planning meeting between the inclusion specialist, childcare provider, and parent or guardian to determine the support needed and development of the child’s individualized childcare plan.

How to Access Support?

Please contact us, we are here to help!
If you need inclusion support or have questions, please email inclusionassistance@ccgroup.org.
Alternatively, you can contact ChildCareGroup customer service at 214-630-5949.