Child Care

Most parents struggle to find affordable quality child care. The parent of a child with a disability struggles to find "any" program which will accept their child. The passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act initiated change in the child care service system. Child care centers and family child care homes have the opportunity to open their doors wide to welcome all children.

Prior to the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, care for many children with disabilities was limited to family, friends or special disability-only child care centers. Current research has proven that all children develop better in inclusive environments.

What's the difference between respite care and child care? Child care provides ongoing care on a regular basis whereas respite care is temporary relief on irregular basis. (Please refer to the service fact sheet on Respite Care.

This is determined by the family based on the individual needs of their child. Think about what you are expecting from the child care situation. Do you want special education or are you primarily looking for supervision and socialization? Do you want the care giver to be professionally trained to work with disabilities or would you prefer someone who is interested in providing quality supervision for you while you are away from your child?

FIRST, decide the type of child care you wish for your child. If specialized care is preferred, contact the Kansas City Regional Center, 821 East Admiral Blvd., Kansas City, Missouri, 816-889-3400 or 1-800-454-2331 to request an eligibility determination, habilitation assessment and to inquire into the various forms of financial assistance that may be available. (Please refer to the service fact sheets on Understanding Missouri Delivery System and Financial Assistance Programs for Families.)

If you prefer community child care at a neighborhood day care center or a private home, call Child Care Resource and Referral. Inclusion Coordinators will provide information about child care for children with special needs.

• Statewide Network: 1-800-220-9017
• Bates, Cass, Clay, Jackson, Lafayette, Platte or Ray Counties: Call (816) 753-9981 or outside the Kansas City Area 1-800-755-0838
• Johnson County: (660) 543-8321 or 800-666-1461

For additional information on Inclusion of Children with Special Needs in child care settings, contact the Center for Innovations in Special Education, 573-884-7275 or 1-8OO-976-CISE.

"All Kids Count:" A guide for families and for their child care providers is available. The guide helps care givers to successfully include children with disabilities in regular child care environments. It offers an overview of the Americans with Disabilities Act and it applies to child care. It offers practical solutions to common problems and advise to ensure success in caring for children with disabilities. The guide cost $11.00 and can be obtained through The ARC, P. 0. Box 1047, Arlington, Texas 76004