Inclusion Support Program

The Inclusion Support Program makes grant funding and technical assistance available to licensed early childhood service providers in North Dakota who care for children with special needs ages birth through 12 years old.

The program is designed to help home and center-based providers create and maintain an inclusive environment that supports children with disabilities or developmental delays to learn, grow, play, and develop alongside their classmates in a natural setting.

Grant Funding

Any licensed or self-declared early childhood service provider, or those in the process of licensing can apply for grant funding through the Inclusion Support Program.

Grant funding can be used for these purposes:

• Supporting staff needs (Up to $15,000/biennium)
• Modifying a childcare setting to accommodate children with diverse abilities and needs (building ramps, widening doors, etc.) - (Up to $5,000 of one-time funding).
• Buying items such as sensory equipment or computer equipment and software for children with special needs (Up to $1,000 unless there is a specific demonstrated need for a higher award).

Technical Support

Technical support from an experienced inclusion specialist is also available through the Inclusion Support Program at no cost to early childhood service providers.

An inclusion specialist can provide:

• Educational resources
• Connections to community resources
• On-site observation
• Helpful strategies on maintaining an enriching setting for children

To contact an inclusion specialist, contact Child Care Aware of North Dakota or call 701-934-5964 (Western ND) or 701-936-5740 (Eastern ND).

Who Can Apply

Licensed and self-declared early childhood service providers can apply.

• Childcare centers and school-age programs
• Preschool programs
• Family and group child care homes
• Self-declared homes

Providers in the process of licensing may also apply.

Providers need to complete the following tasks before applying for the program.

• Parent or guardian obtain and provide a letter from a child’s therapist, physician, or other health care provider outlining the need for additional support. Service Provider Letter of Support template.
• Work with a child’s parents and an inclusion specialist to create a care plan for each child in care with special needs.

How to Apply

To apply, early childhood services providers should complete an application and mail it to:

N.D. Department of Human Services
Attn: Early Childhood Services Administrator
Children and Family Services Division
600 East Boulevard Ave., Dept. 325
Bismarck, N.D. 58505-0250

IMPORTANT: These supporting documents need to be attached to the application:

• Copy of the child’s care plan
• Letter from the health care provider
• Estimate for equipment or materials if applying for a grant to modify a childcare setting
• Proposed schedule and hourly wage of staff if applying for a grant to assist with staffing

Contact Information

N.D. Department of Human Services
Children and Family Services Division
600 East Boulevard Ave., Dept. 325
Bismarck N.D. 58505-0250
Phone: (701) 328-2316
Toll Free: (800) 245-3736
ND Relay TTY: (800) 366-6888

 

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