Support Diverse Needs and Abilities

Inclusive child care means including children with diverse needs and abilities. This may include children with disabilities and developmental delays, complex health care needs, challenging behaviors or children learning a second language.

IdahoSTARS supports the right of every child to have access to quality child care with the supports necessary to fully participate in a child care setting.

Benefits of Inclusion

Inclusion benefits child care providers by developing an understanding and appreciation of individual needs. Additionally, child care providers can strengthen their professional reputation and grow in skills, confidence, and experience.

Inclusion and the Law

The Americans with Disabilities Act considers child care programs public facilities. Therefore all children and families should have equal access to child care. IdahoSTARS can support child care programs to make reasonable accommodations to their policies and practices to support children with diverse needs.