U.S. MILITARY

CHILD CARE OPTIONS FOR MILITARY FAMILIES WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

Finding the right care for your child with special needs starts with asking the right questions. The military services offer quality, affordable child care options, both on the installation and in the civilian community. Finding the best fit for your child is not impossible. Here are some questions to ask as you search for the best child care decision for your child with special needs.

WHAT ARE MY CHILD'S RIGHTS?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ada.gov/2010_regs.htm) protects children from discriminatory practices in child care programs, unless the child's presence would pose a direct threat to the health or safety of others or require a fundamental alteration of the program. You should also know:

• Military and civilian child care programs must make reasonable accommodations to integrate children with disabilities.
• Programs cannot assume that a child's disability is too severe for successful integration.
• There must be an individualized assessment based on professional observations, past history and standard assessment criteria.

CARE PACKAGE: All of the military services offer quality, affordable child care options, both on the installation and in the civilian community.

WHAT TYPES OF INSTALLATION CHILD CARE SETTINGS ARE OUT THERE?

There may be several child care options on your installation:

• Child development centers: On your installation, you’ll usually find a child development center offering care for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. Hours may vary but are typically 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays with extended hours at some locations, year-round. Some centers offer part-time and hourly care, too. Your child would be placed with other children in the same age group, who may or may not have disabilities.
• Family child care homes: Family child care homes may be a good choice for your child. In their own home, providers care for a small group of children of all abilities, up to age 12. The home may be on or off the installation and may offer additional hours, such as before and after school, nights and weekends.
• School-age care programs: These programs for children ages 6 to 12 are usually open before and after school, on holidays and for summer day camp. These care programs may use space in a child development center but are more often located in youth centers or schools. The children receive a planned curriculum and the ability to interact with their peers, who may or may not have disabilities.
• Installation programs for youth and teens: For children ages 12 to 18, many military installations offer activities and classes at youth or community centers. These programs are open to children with and without special needs.