New Jersey MAP to Inclusive Child Care Team

The interagency MAP to Inclusive Child Care Team has been meeting regularly since 1997 to discuss strategies for increasing and enhancing the inclusion of children with special needs in child care settings.

The MAP Team includes representatives from the Department of Human Services, the Department of Education (Office of Special Education, Office of Early Childhood Education and Learning Resource Centers), Department of Health, (NJ Early Intervention Systems, Child and Community Health Services Specialized Pediatrics, and Special Child Health Services), Statewide Parent Advocacy Network (SPAN), NJ School-Age Care Coalition (NJSACC), Early Intervention providers, Head Start, Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies, disability organizations, child care providers, parents, trainers, and advocates for children with special needs.

The MAP Team's goals are to facilitate communication and cooperation among agencies and organizations regarding special needs children in all types of child care programs and to be a resource for providers as they serve children with disabilities and other special needs and their families.

The MAP Team provides guidance to the NJ Inclusive Child Care Project (www.spanadvocacy.org/njiccp) that offers on-site technical assistance, workshops and presentations at state and national conferences.

Resources Flier:
Resources for Including Children with Special Needs in Child Care Settings
2021 Rose Annussek Award Nomination Announcement

Rose Annussek Award Recipients 2005-2020

School Climate Information Sheets on Collaborative & Proactive Solutions

Resources on Positive Behavior Approaches and the Use of Restraints and Seclusion with Children

U.S. DHHS and U.S. DOE Policy Statement on Expulsion and Suspension

U.S. DHHS and U.S. DOE Policy Statement on Inclusion of Children With Disabilities in Early Childhood Programs

Self-assessment Checklists for Inclusive Programming

NJ Regulations on Preschool Expulsion

NJ OOL's Sample Expulsion Policy Letter

Mental Health and Inclusion of Infants, Toddlers and Two's April 28, 2018 Keynote Resources

MAP Team Legislative Recommendations:
The November 2016 MAP to Inclusive Child Care FCC Registration Comments

MAP Team Position Statements:
The MAP to Inclusive Child Care 2013 Position Statement
The MAP to Inclusive Child Care 2013 Philosophy Statement