The Special Needs Enhanced Counseling Service

The Maryland Committee for Children (MCC) has incorporated as its philosophy the belief that all children, regardless of disabilities, are entitled to accessible, affordable and quality child care. MCC believes that it is the parent’s right to make an informed decision concerning their child care needs. As a result, MCC developed LOCATE: Child Care Special Needs Enhanced Counseling Service.

Through a grant from the Maryland State Department of Education, any parent in Maryland who has a child or children with disabilities, ages birth through 21 years of age, may access The Special Needs Enhanced Counseling Service. This service offers specialized one on one assistance and support to parents in need of child care.

For the purposes of this service, LOCATE: Child Care defines special needs as any disability; severe(life threatening) food allergies and/or asthma; any child who has been dismissed from child care due to behavior or emotional problems; any child receiving services through the Maryland Infants and Toddlers Program; any child receiving special education services through a school system; and any child who is not meeting developmental milestones such as speech and language delays.

How does the Special Needs Enhanced Service help parents to find child care?

When a parent contacts LOCATE for child care information, the LOCATE counselor will: 

• Discuss the parent’s child care preferences such as type of care, location, cost and other pertinent variables;
• Discuss the child’s disability and any services or accommodations needed;
• Explain the Americans with Disabilities Act as it applies to child care; 
• Explain the type of child care available;
• Call providers or programs to identify child care vacancies for the family and to explain the child’s special need to the provider;
• Provide current information on early childhood education, what to look for in quality child care and best child care practices;
• Link the caller to other resources such as the state Child Care subsidy program, the Earned Income Tax Credit, and other programs and,
• Offer referrals to community resources such as respite, mental health facilities, financial assistance, job development programs, parent support groups, and transportation.

LOCATE counselors provide this service with respect to the parent’s right and ability to choose the best care for his/her child. Service is provided to callers by trained LOCATE counselors who are professionals holding a minimum of a Bachelor Degree in early childhood education or other related field and have experience and training working with children who have special needs.

For referrals to regulated child care, call:

LOCATE: Child Care
410-625-1113 (Baltimore Metro Area)
1-800-999-0120 (Outside the Baltimore Area)
410-385-1042 (TDD)

LOCATE 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 or a parent can send an email to: specialneeds@mdchildcare.org.

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