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 early childhood service provider can apply for grant funding through the Inclusion Support Program.

Grant funding can be used for these purposes:

• Supporting staffing needs
• Modifying a childcare setting to accommodate children with diverse abilities and needs (building ramps, widening doors, etc.)
• Purchasing items such as sensory equipment or computer equipment and software for children with special needs

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

Who Can Apply

Licensed early childhood service providers can apply.

• Childcare centers
• Preschool programs
• Family and group child care homes

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

• Become licensed by the N.D. Department of Human Services
• 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
• 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, licensed early childhood services providers should complete an application and mail it to:

N.D. Department of Human Services
Attn: Jennifer Barry, 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

For technical support, early childhood services providers should contact Child Care Aware of North Dakota to schedule a visit with an inclusion specialist.

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
jlbarry@nd.gov

 

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