INCLUSION PROGRAM

Inclusion program services are provided to children between the ages of 3 and 17 attending preschools, summer camps, childcare, after school or recreational programs throughout Orange County. We focus on teaching and developing play, social, and self-care skills, managing behavioral challenges, and building confidence and independence through the use of positive reinforcement, behavioral interventions and other support strategies. Each child in our inclusion program is provided with an individualized Inclusion Plan, detailing their specific inclusion goals to monitor and facilitate their progress. Our Inclusion Facilitators collect data on these goals while facilitating the child’s engagement and inclusion in his or her childcare program.

Our inclusion program can be utilized for all children with special needs and/or challenging behaviors. We provide services to children with but not limited to developmental and learning disabilities, sensory challenges, epilepsy, autism, ADHD, emotional disturbance, as well as assist with self-care (diapering, feeding, etc.) if needed.

Possible Indicators (not limited to) for one-on-one Inclusion program services:
• Elopement (wandering tendencies)
• Lacks personal safety or sense of boundaries
• Self-Injurious Behavior
• Harmful behaviors towards participants or staff
• Self-Care Needs beyond occasional
• Non-Communicative
• Tantrums or emotional “meltdowns”
• Sensory or social integration challenges.

Our Service Areas

Our service area includes all cities within Orange County. The inclusion program provides service as a third party at the group child care provider or community program site based on the child care or community program’s permission. Our services are utilized at YMCA child care sites, private preschools, Boys & Girls Clubs, school district child care programs, community and city recreational programs, etc. It is the responsibility of each parent to discuss utilizing Inclusion services with the child care or community program provider.

Inclusion program fees are separate from any fees paid to the childcare or summer camp program provider and are the responsibility of the parent or guardian. Y Inclusion is a vendor with the Regional Center of Orange County, and current consumers with the Regional Center of Orange County may qualify for full funding through the Regional Center. Payment is also accepted through other third party agencies as applicable. Families who are not consumers with the Regional Center or do not qualify for Inclusion services through the Regional Center may pay privately for services. Financial assistance is available for families who qualify.

The inclusion program accepts new enrollments on a year-round basis. Please submit the contact form and a YMCA Inclusion representative will reach out to you as soon as possible. For immediate inquiries, please call us at (714)508-7624.

The inclusion program staff works at all levels in direct partnership with the parents and families of children in our program to facilitate their inclusion and success within their childcare programs. Effective collaboration and communication with parents and families is key to providing consistency and high quality support. Parents and families are actively involved in the development of a child’s individualized Inclusion Plan and regularly updated on the child’s progress in the Inclusion Program. Inclusion staff welcome the opportunity to assist and support parents and families in supporting their child’s success in settings and environments outside of the childcare program, including the home and classroom. Inclusion staff work to connect parents and families to valuable resources that may prove helpful to the child or family, including respite care, childcare options, Regional Center consumer services, and other supports or resources within the community.