FAQs
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Does a child have to have a diagnosis before we can apply for Inclusion Support Program services?
No, a diagnosis is not required to apply for eligibility. For detailed information about eligibility criteria, see: Early Learning and Child Care Program Policy Document - Inclusion Support Program Eligibility Application.
Should families get letters of support from their doctor or therapists so their child can get inclusion supports?
Letters or recommendations for inclusion supports by other professionals are not required to apply for eligibility. All child care providers must provide inclusive services to all children, as per their inclusion policy.
Why is an assessment needed to access funded supports in the Inclusion Support Program?
The assessment process ensures that the right level of support is provided for a child’s unique needs within the facility’s context. Financial support through the Inclusion Support Program is dependent on eligibility, assessed need, available resources and is not entitlement-based.
Detailed information and supporting documentation is needed to ensure that the appropriate level of support is provided, both initially and if there are any changes.
Is funding available for one-to-one support?
No, except for nursing support for children with URIS A support needs. Staff Enhancement Grant funding is provided to enhance the overall adult-to-child ratio and does not support one staff to one child (one-to-one) staffing.
All children, including children with additional support needs, are part of regular ratio, not in addition to it. Staffing levels must still meet licensing requirements. All child care professionals (early childhood educators, child care assistants) in a licensed facility work with all children and must be aware of all children’s needs including a supported child’s Individual Program Plan.
Staff Enhancement Grants are provided to hire a casual child care assistant to enhance the adult to child ratio and assist with regular programing. The staff hired under the grant is not intended to work one-to-one with a particular child. Instead, it allows trained facility educators to facilitate and support the inclusion of all children within the program. The regular, trained educators in the facility are responsible for curriculum implementation and should provide guidance and direction to the casual staff hired.
Can we pay the staff hired under the Staff Enhancement Grant a higher wage than our other child care assistants?
Yes. Child care facilities are able to determine the wages they pay their staff. However, the Staff Enhancement Grant will only reimburse the wage grid rate for child care assistants.
How do we work on goals set by other service providers or specialists such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, etc.? Should we take a child out of the group to work on developmental goals?
Through intentional play experiences, most developmental goals can be met in the natural child care environment while the child remains in ratio with their peers.
What are some suggestions for how a child care facility can welcome a new child with a disability into their program?
Facilities should arrange a meeting and tour of the facility with the child and parents before the child is enrolled to better understand the child’s needs, begin the planning process and adapt the environment and programming to reduce barriers.
If you think you may need additional support, contact your Inclusion Support Program Coordinator to discuss your needs. Your Inclusion Support Program Coordinator can come out to provide child development services, while you work together to determine whether funded supports are required. The Inclusion Support Program Coordinator is there to support you to identify and remove barriers so that a child with additional support needs can enjoy and successfully take part in their child care experience.
Does the department have any additional resources that facilities can use to support programming that meets all children’s needs?
Early Returns, Manitoba’s Early Learning and Child Care Curriculum Framework for Preschool Centres and Nursery, the Department’s Curriculum Framework, helps staff design play based, developmentally appropriate interactions, relationships, environments and experiences to allow all children to develop to their fullest potential.
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