disabled child

 

Case Study

A referral was made for a four-year-old with possible hearing issues. The child’s pediatrician had confirmed the child needed a hearing exam, but the child’s single mother had no resources to take the child to the examination. Coalition staff was aware that a local hospital community program had funding to pay for a limited number of hearing screenings. Arrangements were made and the child was taken to the hospital for a screening before starting kindergarten.

Inclusion | Warm Line

According to the U.S. Office of Special Education, the number of preschool children with disabilities in regular classrooms has been on the rise for the past decade. Most preschool classrooms now have at least one child with a disability but many of their teachers have little or no training in educating and caring for these children. The Early Learning Coalition of Santa Rosa County supports and encourages the inclusion of special needs children in quality early education and care programs. The Coalition employs an Inclusion Specialist to offer guidance to child care providers related to the special needs population.

Florida Statute 402.3018 mandates the provision of a toll-free number, or “Warm Line” to offer assistance and consultation specifically to child care personnel regarding the inclusion of children with disabilities and special health care needs. Parents in search of information about their child’s development can also call the Warm Line to speak directly to the Inclusion Specialist about their child’s needs and child care preferences.

Santa Rosa Warm Line: (free call in all areas of Santa Rosa County) 850.982.4275

State of Florida Warm Line:
866.357.3239

Please click here to download our Warm Line flier.