Florida Statute 402.3018 mandates the provision of a toll-free number to provide assistance and consultation specifically to 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. The Florida Directory of Early Childhood Services (Central Directory) is a statewide information and referral service for families, service coordinators and other professionals who work with children and youth, birth to age 21 years who are at risk for developmental delays, or have disabilities and/or special health care needs.
To find resources for children/youth with disabilities and/or special health care needs, please visit www.centraldirectory.org or call toll free 1-800-654-4440.
The Early Learning Coalition's Inclusion Specialist offers technical assistance and consultation regarding curriculum and teaching strategies, environmental adaptation and facility structural changes, developmental concerns, special health issues and challenging behavioral issues. In addition, regularly scheduled trainings will be offered by the Early Learning Coalition of Brevard pertaining to Inclusion. Please contact the Inclusion Specialist at (321) 637-1800 Ext. 2028 for further information regarding upcoming trainings or visit the Coalition's training calendar.
