3526 Ninth Street W.
Bradenton, FL 34205
941.757.2900 Phone
941.757.2915 Fax
Click here for directions
MON - THU
7:00am - 6:00pm
FRI
by appointment only
Inclusion Services for Children
The Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County's Inclusion Specialist is able to connect families and providers with local resources and help insure the child is in the least restrictive, most appropriate environment.
The coalition makes available services to child care providers to enhance staff’s knowledge and competence in serving children with disabilities or behavioral challenges. Inclusion services include technical assistance and consultation regarding curriculum and teaching strategies, environmental adaptations, and challenging behavioral issues. Through the knowledge gained, children will benefit from being a part of a quality program.
Please contact the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County's Inclusion Specialist at (941) 757-2900 extension 272 for further information.
Inclusion - Warm Line
Florida Statute 402.3018 mandates the provision of a toll-free number to provide assistance and consultation, specifically child care personnel, regarding the inclusion of children with disabilities and special health care needs. This number is known as the “Warm Line” and is available to child care centers and family child care homes requesting information relating to the disability and special health care needs of the children they are serving.
Parents and providers in search of information about a child’s development can call the Warm Line and speak directly to the Inclusion Specialist about a child’s needs.
Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County Warm Line:
(941) 757-2900 ext. 272State of Florida Warm Line (toll-free):
(866) 357-3239
Useful Links
Detecting Signs of Autism Early
Detect early signs of autism. Site sponsored by Centers for Disease Control
Family Network on Disabilities of Florida
Gives links to advocacy groups by county and includes other information.
Partnerships for Inclusion
Diversity in Children's Lives list
Do 2 Learn
Free areas and products for learning
Circle of Inclusion
Provides links to information on inclusion.
Benefits for Children With Disabilities
A booklet written for the parents and caregivers of children with disabilities and adults disabled since childhood, listing possible Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.
Visit: http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10026.html
Commonly asked questions about child care centers
Visit http://ada.gov/childq&a.htm
Florida Directory of Early Childhood Services
Excellent resource for families with children who have disabilities or special health care needs.
Visit: http://www.centraldirectory.org
Department of Children and Families Child Care Training Information Center
This site offers a search of childcare providers, training resources and licensing information.
Visit: www.dcf.state.fl.us/childcare
Florida Children's Forum
The Forum is a private, not-for profit organization committed to enhancing and improving the quality, affordability and availability of child care and early education through an array of programs, services and publications.
Visit: www.fcforum.org
Early Steps
Early Steps serves Florida's infants and toddlers’ birth to 36 months with a developmental delay or a condition that places them at risk for developmental delay. Sixteen contracted local Early Steps across the state coordinate with community agencies and other contracted providers for the delivery of needed supports and services.
Visit: http://www.cms-kids.com/EarlyStepsHome.htm
Family Network on Disabilities of Manatee/Sarasota
Local organization that assists families of children with disabilities and special needs.
