The Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County's Inclusion Specialist is able to connect families and providers with local resources and help ensure the child is in the least restrictive, and most appropriate environment.
The Coalition makes available services to child care providers to enhance staff’s knowledge and competence in serving children with disabilities or behavioral challenges. Inclusion services include technical assistance and consultation regarding curriculum and teaching strategies, environmental adaptations, and challenging behavioral issues. Through the knowledge gained, children will benefit from being a part of a quality program.
Please contact the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County's Inclusion Specialist at (941) 757-2900 x2405 for more information.
Inclusion Warm Line
Florida Statute 402.3018 mandates the provision of a toll-free number to provide assistance and consultation, specifically child care personnel, regarding the inclusion of children with disabilities and special health care needs. This number is known as the “Warm Line” and is available to child care centers and family child care homes requesting information relating to the disability and special health care needs of the children they are serving.
Parents and providers in search of information about a child’s development can call the Warm Line and speak directly to the Inclusion Specialist about a child’s needs.
Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County Warm Line:
(941) 757-2900 ext. 2405
State of Florida Warm Line (toll-free):
(866) 357-3239
Inclusion Resources
This center evaluates children between the ages of 3 and before they enter Kindergarten. They are affiliated with the Manatee County School District.
This center evaluates children who may have a social-emotional concern or a behavior challenge. They evaluate children starting at 5 years old.
The Forum is a private, not-for-profit organization committed to enhancing and improving the quality, affordability, and availability of child care and early education through an array of programs, services, and publications. https://flchild.com/
Benefits for Children with Disabilities
A booklet written for the parents and caregivers of children with disabilities and adults disabled since childhood, listing possible Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10026.pdf
Do 2 Learn
Provides thousands of free pages with social skills and behavioral regulation activities and guidance, learning songs and games, communication cards, academic material, and transition guides for employment and life skills. http://www.do2learn.com
Detecting Signs of Autism Early
Detect early signs of autism. Site sponsored by Centers for Disease Control.
https://www.cdc.gov/autism
Family Network on Disabilities of Florida
Gives links to advocacy groups by county and includes other information. https://fndusa.org/
First Words Project
Learn the critical communication skills that children should reach by 16 months in order to launch language learning, literacy, and much more! https://firstwordsproject.com/about-16by16/
Disability.gov
The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) promotes policies and coordinates with employers and all levels of government to increase workplace success for people with disabilities. https://www.dol.gov/agencies/odep/about
Early Steps for Ages Birth to Three
http://www.hpcswf.com/early-steps-program/gulf-central/
Head Start Center for Inclusion
https://depts.washington.edu/hscenter
Technical Assistance and Training System (TATS) for Ages 3-5
http://www.tats.ucf.edu
The Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center
Improving Systems, Practices, and Outcomes for Young Children with Disabilities and their Families. http://www.ectacenter.org/topics/inclusion/default.asp
Transition from Part C (birth to age three) to Part B (ages three to five)
Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center: http://ectacenter.org/topics/transition/transition.asp
Transition to Kindergarten
NAEYC
