Child Care Council Receives Additional Grant Funding for Special Needs Service

Child Care Council has been awarded additional grant funding for its prevention-based, consultative service that helps ensure children with disabilities have access to quality child care.

The Mother Cabrini Health Foundation has awarded $285,000 in grant funding for Child Care Council’s special needs consultation service, which equips caregivers with strategies and supports to reduce suspension and expulsion for young children with disabilities in child care. Built on relationship-based practices, the service is provided through observation, modeling and collaboration. The special needs consultation service was initially funded by a $175,000 grant from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation.

“Child care suspensions and expulsions of children with special needs is a troubling issue that disproportionately impacts Black and Brown families,” said Child Care Council CEO Jeff Pier. “We are grateful that the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation is continuing its strong support of this important service, which has already shown tremendous results.”

Since the service started in fall 2022, more than 90 children have been served with no suspensions or expulsions. To date, the Council has trained 75 child care providers in the service.

The Council’s team of special needs consultants provide a caring, compassionate, responsive and effective service to meet each program and child’s unique needs. The service, which does not provide 1-to-1 care to children, is available in Monroe, Wayne and Livingston counties. Child care providers interested in learning more about this service can contact Bethany Williams, director, special needs department, at 585.654.1287 or [email protected].

Mother Cabrini Health Foundation is a private, nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the health and wellbeing of New Yorkers, bolster the health outcomes of vulnerable communities, eliminate barriers to care, and bridge gaps in health services. Named after a tireless advocate for immigrants, children, and the poor, the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation funds programs and initiatives across New York State that either provide direct healthcare services or address the social determinants of health. For more information, visit https://www.cabrinihealth.org/.