FARGO - Licensed and self-declared early childhood service providers who care for children with special needs, ages birth through 12 years, can apply for funding for additional support and resources for their programs through the Inclusion Support Program offered by the North Dakota Department of Human Services.
Applications will be accepted from Tuesday, Aug. 1, to Tuesday, Oct. 31, and are available at www.nd.gov/dhs/services/childcare/inclusion.html .
The funding can be used to support staffing needs, buy equipment or materials that support inclusive early childhood programming, or modify a child care setting by building ramps or widening doors to accommodate children with diverse abilities and needs. The program also provides technical assistance to child care providers, including educational resources, connections to community resources, on-site observations and strategies for meeting the needs of children.
Providers will need a letter from a child's therapist, physician or other health care provider that outlines the need for additional supports, and a care plan for each child with special needs.
