Inclusive Partners

Inclusive Partners is a statewide program that works to empower Oregon's child care providers to create environments that encourage full participation for all children . Regardless of provider type or funding stream, Inclusive Partners provides technical assistance, consultation, and support so all children can play, learn and grow together.

Who We Are

Inclusive Partners is a statewide program. We are a program that supports inclusive practices in child care settings.

We work with child care providers caring for children who need additional accommodations to support inclusive care. We offer these supports for children and youth from birth through age 17. Families, child care providers and other partners are able to make requests for our assistance at no cost.

Inclusive Partners helps to promote and support inclusive practices by offering technical assistance / consultation services, a financial supplement (see DHS Eligibility Requirements), and professional development opportunities for providers.

What Is Inclusion?

Inclusion means that everyone is able to take part in the same activities, enjoy the same experiences, and have the same access to opportunity within their communities, regardless of ability.

As we grow into adulthood, our actions toward others are shaped by our early experiences. Having positive experiences in inclusive settings enable us to view each other with appreciation of our differences, similarities and uniqueness.

Benefits of Inclusive Child Care

In inclusive settings

Young people are not segregated.  The negative effects of labeling and lack of familiarity are decreased.
Young and school age children have opportunities to learn from and share experiences with each other.  This includes positive models for learning, communication and behaviors.
All children feel a sense of belonging.
Children of all ages learn to appreciate diversity in others.
When everyone participates, children have opportunities to be creative, resourceful and cooperative.

Benefits to providers implementing inclusive practices in their programs

New knowledge and skills, aiding all the children in the setting.
New contacts and partnerships, which can enhance business practices.
Connections to community resources.
Opportunities to help others celebrate that we all have unique abilities and needs.

Benefits to families

Opportunities to experience typical child care settings and community events.
Vision of a positive future for families.
Relationships and connections with other families in the community.
An awareness of diverse family systems.

How We Help

Inclusive Partners promotes inclusive child care practices that help all children succeed.

We provide technical assistance, training and support to child care providers so families of children with higher needs can play, work, and learn together.

Operating in conjunction with DHS and OCDD, we are the only group providing inclusive resources, technical assistance and subsidies for child care providers and families of children with higher needs in Oregon.

Providers

Caring for children is rewarding, energizing, enlightening and joyful. All children come with unique needs, challenges and gifts. As a provider of quality care, you individualize your support for each child based on where they are at developmentally, emotionally and socially.

You may feel, at times, that you’ve exhausted your expertise.

We can help support you in:

Problem solving and planning
Sharing creative ideas for improving your environment to be more inclusive
Exploring strategies for responding to behaviors that children bring to your setting
Suggesting accommodations and adaptations that may benefit all the children in your care.

Our services and supports are free of charge and may include phone calls, emails, onsite visits or training workshops.

Families

Inclusive Partners is here to support you and your child care provider. If you have a child with higher needs or are struggling to keep stable child care due to your child’s specialized needs, we may be able to help.

Often the help we offer stabilizes care which keeps you working!

You have more expertise about your child than anyone else and you know them in a unique way. This information is particularly helpful to us as consultants, and most certainly your provider (who partners with you in caring for your child).

We offer consultation, technical assistance and other supports free of charge. We provide these services via phone, email or even onsite.

Child Care High Needs Rate

Inclusive Partners works with DHS Self Sufficiency to coordinate the High Needs program for families with children who have higher needs and are receiving child care subsidy through ERDC or JOBS/TANF.

Local DHS workers, not Inclusive Partners staff, determine eligibility for child care assistance through ERDC or TANF/Jobs.

ERDC has two types of rates for children with higher level needs: the Special Needs Rate and the High Needs Rate.

Children with a special need rate may also be eligible for a higher rate to support that child’s care. Families may request a High Needs referral from their DHS caseworker. Inclusive Partners may also work with child care providers to begin the referral process.

Inclusive Partners staff complete the High Needs Rate Determination Assessment in the child care setting to determine the child’s individual rate and the provider’s consultation and technical assistance needs.

The High Needs Rate is intended to help stabilize care and offer inclusive supports to the child care provider in their setting. The supplement is to enhance a child’s experience, it does not cover child care costs.

If you have further questions, contact your DHS caseworker or Inclusive Partners.