For Parents
Special Needs Service
LOCATE: Child Care
800.999.0120
specialneeds@marylandfamilynetwork.org
Do you have a child with a special need?
Do you need child care?
LOCATE: Child Care
can help you find care that meets your child's needs!
Maryland Family Network (MFN) believes that all children are entitled to quality child care and it is the parent's right to make an informed decision concerning their child care needs. To this end, MFN offers the LOCATE: Child Care Special Needs Service.
This service is:
- free - it is funded by the MD State Department of Education (MSDE)
- available to any family who has a child with a special need
- available for children from birth through age 21
Here are some examples of eligible children :
- Any child receiving services through the MD Infants/Toddlers Program
- Any child evaluated and receiving services referred by Child Find
- Any child receiving special education services through a school system
- Any child with an IEP (Individualized Education Plan)
- Any child with an IFSP (Individualized Family Service Plan)
- Any child expelled from a child care program
Also eligible is any child with special needs or physical disabilities such as (but not limited to!) the following:
- Autism, ADHD, ADD, Aspergers Syndrome
- Down Syndrome, Learning Disabilities, Intellectual Disability
- Seizure Disorder, Cystic Fibrosis, Cerebral Palsy
- Developmental Delays (not meeting milestones)
- Speech and language delays
- Behavior concerns or problems
- Asthma
- Allergies
- Special health care needs
How does the Special Needs Service help parents to find child care?
When a parent contacts LOCATE for child care, the LOCATE specialist will:
- Discuss the child’s special need or disability
- Discuss any services or accommodations needed while in child care
- Discuss location, cost and other factors
- Discuss how to find quality inclusive child care
- Refer to community resources
- Share information on the Americans with Disabilities Act
- Refer to child care providers or programs with special needs experience or
- Refer to child care providers who are willing to meet and mutually decide if they can accomodate the child's individual needs
LOCATE specialists provide this service with respect for the parent's right and ability to choose the best care for his/her child. Service is provided to callers by trained LOCATE specialists who are professionals holding a minimum of a Bachelor Degree in early childhood education or other related field and have experience and/or training working with children who have special needs
LOCATE: Child Care
Special Needs Enhanced Service
800.999.0120
specialneeds@marylandfamilynetwork.org
LOCATE: Child Care Special Needs Enhanced Service is available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Messages can be left during non-business hours and LOCATE staff will return the call as soon as possible.
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