Identifying Learning Problems Early

In JCCA’s Family Child Care programs, caring for children involves more than giving them loving care while their parents are at work. It means making sure that educational needs are met throughout each stage of a child’s development and that developmental delays or learning challenges are addressed promptly and effectively to ensure the best long-term outcomes for the child.

Early intervention is crit­ical and we do everything possible to assist both parents and providers in supporting a child’s need for additional educational supports.

On any given day, 130 trained and licensed caregivers in JCCA’s Family Child  Care network in Queens, Brooklyn and Staten Island open their homes to 800 children, aged six weeks to five years.

Every child in family day care receives a developmental screening to assess any potential areas of concern early on, when intervention can be most successful. The screening looks at social, emotional and skill development. If necessary, a referral is made for a complete evaluation and early intervention services such as physical, occupational, or speech therapy through New York City’s Early Childhood Direction Centers, lo­cated in each borough.

Parents are fully involved participants, working closely with the JCCA staff and child care providers to identify concerns. We encourage a collaborative approach between our parents, providers and staff to ensure that the child’s unique needs are being met in a setting that is most appropriate for the child.