AN ANALYSIS OF THE PERCEPTIONS AND CHARACTERISTICS OF CHILD-CARE PERSONNEL REGARDING INCLUSION OF YOUNG-CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS IN COMMUNITY-BASED PROGRAMS

Access to childcare is a challenge for families of young children with special needs. A survey of early childhood personnel in northwestern Ohio identified early childhood personnel characteristics associated w ith an interest or willingness to care for these children. Most respon dents were interested in caring for young children with special needs. More than one half of the respondents reported experience in caring f or such children and most were confident about their ability to do so. Lack of knowledge regarding care requirements of young children with special needs was cited most often as a barrier to inclusive childcare . Differences between home- and center-based providers were identified . Implications of these findings for childcare staff training are disc ussed.