Will I need special skills or equipment to ac ept children with special needs into my center?
Caring for children with special needs requires the same basic skills needed to care for any child. It means providing a developmentally appropriate environment for all children. Some children with special needs will use specialized equipment, but many do not. Most toys and activities are appropriate or can be easily adapted if necessary. A common concern is whether additional resources will be required that a center does not have or cannot afford. These are legitimate concerns; however, such issues can generally be resolved and should be seen as opportunities for problem solving, not as reason for denying the inclusion of children with special needs. Collaboration with community services such as Part C Early Intervention or public schools should occur if a child has significant needs that cannot be met through the childcare center alone.
