Special Needs

Early childhood special needs embodies the values, policies, and practices that support the right of every infant and young child and his or her family, regardless of ability, to participate in a broad range of activities and contexts as full members of our society.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits child care programs from discriminating against children, employees, or parents based on the fact that the person has a disability. The ADA requires a program to make reasonable accommodations to be able to enroll, employ, or give access to a person with a disability. Only programs operated by religious organizations are exempt from ADA regulations.

To learn more about special needs and how early learning settings can provide care for all children or to find resources and services available at the state or national level, visit  Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning SEEDS (Supporting Early Education and Development for Success) Program.