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UNDERSTANDING TYPES OF CHILDCARE PROVIDERS

Choosing child care is one of the most important decisions you will make for your child. Finding the right match can have a positive impact on your child's development. The early years of your child's life matter because early experiences affect how the brain learns. Ensuring your child experiences high-quality interactions with adults and other children promotes language and social development that will impact your child for years to come.

Track Your Child's Milestones:

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a law that ensures all children with disabilities are eligible to receive a free and appropriate education through special education services. Infants and toddlers, until a child turns 2, and their families receive early intervention services under IDEA Part C (Early Steps). Children ages 3 through 5 receive special education and related services under IDEA Part B (Child Find). Learn the Signs. Act Early. (LTSAE) is a federally mandated program of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that encourages parents of children ages birth to 5 years and providers who care for them to:

• Learn the signs of healthy development
• Monitor every child's early development; and
• Act early on possible developmental concerns: talk with doctors and ask for developmental screening.

The materials provided by LTSAE are parent education and engagement tools that support developmental monitoring and help staff decide when to refer a child to other professionals for screening; they are not a replacement for developmental screening. The Louisiana Department of Education has partnered with the Louisiana Department of Health to offer our early childhood networks the opportunity to co-brand and customize some of the LTSAE materials.

FUNdamental Pediatric Therapy

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