Maryland Family Network, LOCATE: Childcare Special Needs Service

Maryland Family Network (MFN) believes that all children are entitled to quality child care and it is the parent’s right to make an informed decision concerning their child care needs. To this end, MFN offers the LOCATE: Child Care Special Needs Service.This service is: Free - funded by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) Available to any family who has a child with a special need Available for children from birth through age 21Here are some examples of eligible children: Any child receiving services through the Maryland Infant & Toddlers Program Any child evaluated and receiving services referred by Child Find Any child receiving special education services through a school system Any child with an Individual Education Plan (IEP) Any child terminated from a child care programAny child with special needs or physical disabilities is eligible.This includes (but is not limited to) the following: Food Allergies (severe or life threatening) Asthma (severe or life threatening) Developmental Delays (not meeting milestones) Autism, ADHD, ADD, Aspergers Syndrome Down Syndrome, Learning Disabilities, Brain Injury Seizure Disorder, Cystic Fibrosis, Cerebral Palsy Behavior concerns or problems Speech and language delaysHow does the Special Needs Service help parents to find child care?When a parent contacts LOCATE: Child Care, the LOCATE Specialist will: Discuss the child’s special need or disability Discuss any services or accommodations needed while in child care Discuss location, cost and other factors Refer to child care providers or programs with special needs experience or Refer to child care providers who will to work the with child’s special need Discuss how to find quality child careLOCATE Specialists provide this service with respect for the parent's right and ability to choose the best care for his/her child. Service is provided to callers by trained LOCATE Child Care Referral Specialists who are professionals holding a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in early childhood education or other related field and who have experience and/or training working with children who have special needs.