As early education professionals, we all know that special needs extend far beyond the parameters of diagnosed “disabilities”. At the same time a lot of assistance is tied to qualifications for Part B and Part C. We can all agree that early screening and intervention is key but what about all those other behaviors and needs that can be challenging in a group care facility? What can we do to help children who seem to have a challenging time being still and engaging in play? Or the child who suddenly starts biting? Or who has a difficult time following program expectations? Child Care Connections has developed a series of services to offer children and early education professionals much needed support, including:
Technical assistance
Referrals to community resources
Observation and feedback (with parental permission)
Special Needs Lending Library
Special Needs Subsidy and mini grant
We are always available to provide a listening ear and connection to information and community resources; at the same time, we want to provide access to materials and adaptations that can give a child needed support right away. To do this, we have established a Special Needs Lending Library which will allow you to check out materials that can provide children much needed assistance right inside of your classroom! Not only will children receive support right away, but it will also give you much needed information about how best to support the child’s needs within your classroom setting. By trying an item in an authentic setting, you will be able to find out whether it will work in your environment and whether the child enjoys that particular mode of support.
The Lending Library works very much like your traditional book library with check-outs being a month in length. A catalog of available materials can be found HERE, and we are very happy to work with you to plan the best way to get needed materials into your classroom. This is currently a pilot program to see if this is something that is beneficial to you, so please try it out and let us know if there is anything you need that is currently unavailable. The Lending Library includes items such as pressure vests, weighted blankets, noise decreasing earmuffs, chew bars, malleable utensils, grasping and holding adaptations, and a wide array of materials to engage children who seem to be in constant motion (including lots of alternative seating options) — to name a few. It can get pricey to purchase classroom materials that do not seem to have the desired effect within the classroom. The Lending Library takes that risk away by allowing you to try materials before purchasing them, so you know they work!
Additionally, Child Care Connections administers the Special Needs Subsidy and Mini Grants. If you have children on the Best Beginnings Scholarship, who have needs above that of “typical” children (developmentally, medically, behaviorally, etc.), they may qualify for the Special Needs Subsidy which provides an additional amount of money on top of the Best Beginnings Scholarship. Additionally, once a child is receiving the Special Needs Subsidy, you can apply for a one-time grant (per child) for up to $500 to purchase materials, modifications, adaptations, etc. Please contact Sarah Peterson, sarah@cccmontana.org, if you would like additional information on the Special Needs Subsidy and/or Mini Grant. If you would like additional information on the Lending Library, please contact Heather, heather@cccmontana.org (Bozeman and the surrounding area), or Sara, sara@cccmontana.org (Helena and the surrounding area).
By Sara Silva – STARS Coach, Child Care Connections
