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Inclusive child care for families of a child with special needs means:
- your family has access to early learning and care programs the same as all other families, and
- your child is welcome and treated in the same thoughtful and respectful way as all other children. Learn more
Accessing services and supports
If you are looking for support in a licensed child care program please phone the CITYKIDS central intake number at 416-920-6543. CITYKIDS offers a single point of access to the many services and supports offered by the network of agencies that serve children with special needs and their families.
If your child already attends a licensed child care program you can speak to the supervisor of the program who will assist you in receiving support from the Special Needs Resource Staff assigned to your child care or you can call 311.
Specialized nursery schools
The following specialized nursery schools provide an integrated half day child care program for children with special needs.
These programs are based on individual assessment and delivered in a classroom setting. Some programs have additional specialized supports available such as occupational therapy and speech pathology.
Child care fee subsidy
If your child has a documented special need, you may qualify for a child care fee subsidy even if you are not working or going to school.
Learn more .
Important things for families to know:
Adapted from "Making Inclusion Real - A Guide for Parents and Professionals" by the Canadian Association for Community Living
- Play is a child's
work and your child should be allowed to learn through play, rather
than only through structured interventions and therapies.
- It is your child's
right not to be discriminated against, based on disability, gender,
race or social-economic circumstance.
- It is your right
to be active in the selection of the program that is the best fit
for your child and your family.
- It is your right
to be active in the planning of your child's program with the staff
at the centre and other professionals.
- It is your right
to be an integral part of the team and the decision making process
about your child.
- You have the
right to be informed of all programs available so you can make the
appropriate choice for your child/family.
- It is okay to
ask questions - you should never hesitate or be made to feel reluctant
to ask questions.
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