Inclusive Child Care Options

The Inclusive Child Care Options (ICCO) is a multi-agency effort to include children with special needs in child care and recreational opportunities in communities throughout San Luis Obispo County. The goal of this cooperative network is to eliminate barriers which prevent children with special needs from participating in programs offered to other children.

Child Care Referral Service: Parents can call 541-2272 for referrals to child care programs for their child with special needs. The staff at the EOC Child Care Resource Connection can connect you with child care providers who have training to care for children with disabilities. They will work closely with the family to find an appropriate child care facility. www.eocslo.org/cyfs/ccrc_home.html

Child Care Provider Training: ICCO provides free training for child care providers, recreational program staff, center-based staff, and parents to assist them in the care of children with special needs. Call 543-7102 for a list of upcoming training seminars or visit. www.sanluischildcare.org

Special Needs Resource Materials: Parents Helping Parents (PHP) operates Family Resource Centers in three locations in San Luis Obispo County. These libraries are filled with books, magazines, videos, and other resources for information about disabilities, parenting, and inclusion. Call 543-3277 for the location of the nearest resource center.

Child Care Support Services: ICCO staff is available to assist the child care provider in developing a plan for caring for a child with special needs. United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) staff will visit your child care facility and make suggestions for improving the provider’s ability to care for the child. Call 543-7102 for support services. ICCO will also assist your family in finding recreational opportunities for your child. www.ucp-slo.org/cyf/ccrc/ccrc.html

Parent Support Services: Through the Parent to Parent Network, PHP, introduces parents to others who share similar interests and experiences. In addition PHP sponsors workshops and has a resource lending library. Call 543-3277 for more information.

Adaptive Equipment Assistance: EOC Child Care Resource Connection has a toy and resource lending library. For information about the library, call 541-2272 . UCP has established a grant program to purchase equipment for child care facilities that include children with special needs. For additional information on this grant program call 543-7102.