Points you might want to discuss:

1.Programming

All children attending a service are provided with a program to meet their developmental needs. Here are some points you might want to consider.

• Is there additional programming for children with additional needs?
• How are families involved in the development of this program?
• In my child's program how does the centre involve and liaise with other professionals working with my child?
• Will my permission be asked before contacting other professionals working with my child?
• How is the program evaluated and reviewed?
• How is information kept confidential?

2. How can l support my child?

There are enormous benefits for children when families and centres work closely together.

There are many ways that families can be involved in a centre. Some of these include spending time in the centre, fund-raising, lobbying, support for excursions, or making resources.

• How does the service provide a variety of communication options with families (e.g. communication book, meetings, informal chats)?
• How can I help support my child?
• Who do I contact if I need to discuss my child?

3. Support Services

There are a variety of sources that children's services can access for extra funding for children with additional needs. However, not all services can access each source of funding. You might like to discuss with Directors some of these points.

• Is your service able to access any extra funding for children with additional needs?
• Does your service have extra staff to support children with additional needs?
• Is this staff member trained or untrained? How many days/hours is this person employed?
• Does your service have access to consultancy support (e.g. SUPS, ESS, Special Education Consultant)?
• Does your service have links with other community based or private support services (e.g. therapy services, counselling, psychology services)?
• Does the level of extra support change as my child's needs change?

4. Transitions

A good supportive transitional process can help families when their child moves from one service to another

• Is there a transition process to support children moving from this centre?