Facilitating the inclusion of children with special needs into community early childhood and education programs including child care centers and preschools.
Our TAP resource teachers provide consultations and support to the child’s family and teachers through training, on-site consultations, and follow-up assistance including linking teachers and families with specialized community resources.
Thanks to a grant from the Cuyahoga County Invest in Children program, our TAP supportive services are offered at no cost to parents and caregivers in Cuyahoga County.
How can TAP help my child’s childcare center or preschool?
Our specially trained Resource Teachers will:
- Get to know your child’s needs by talking with you, other staff, therapists, or professionals working with your child. We will then share information and answer questions about your child’s disability and special needs with childcare staff.
- Work with your child’s teachers to develop customized strategies, interventions, and goals to help your child succeed;
- Follow up with on-site visits with customized adaptations, materials, adaptive toys, and specialized equipment if needed;
- Provide a summary for you and your child’s teacher after consultations are completed.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, TAP offers a variety of virtual and remote consultation and trainings, using technology that is readily available to both child care staff and parents.
Trainings for Childcare Providers and Teachers
Lunchtime or Naptime Trainings
We offer one-hour trainings for staff, providing information about the child’s disability in general, and about the child’s specific needs including information, visuals for the classroom, and individually tailored strategies and interventions.
Step Up to Quality/Ohio Approved Trainings for the Community
A sample of our trainings include:
- Disability Awareness and Practical Strategies for working with Children with Special Needs
- Supporting Speech and Language in Early Childhood Programs
- Inclusion of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Early Childhood Settings
During the COVID19 pandemic, TAP continues to offer formal and informal training for child care staff using Zoom, and at the convenience of child care providers.
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