Preschool/Daycares | Lehigh Valley Autism

Finding a daycare or preschool that is a good fit for a child with Autism can be especially challenging to parents. LV Autism Guide has gathered a list of some centers who have accommodated other parents in the past. However, it's important to ask the right questions and make sure it's a good fit for your child's individual needs. Ask if they allow TSS's there. This is the time that many parents and therapists work on modifying behavior, building foundation skills for later learning and play. Visit the day care/preschool with your child and watch your child's reaction, how the employees relate to your child and be candid about your child's needs. Click on the following link to read more about how to find the right child care.

As you search for services, it's a good idea to compile a care binder or folder with his/her healthcare needs.

Having issues with your preschool? Start an Early Intervention Complaint Form. It's a form that parents can complete to request a formal complaint through the Bureau of Early Intervention Services.

Affordable Early Learning Options

Child Care Works: A Pennsylvania program that helps low-income families pay for childcare while parents work or attend school by utilizing a co-pay system which can be as little as $5.00 per week but varies according to your income and the number of family members. Parents can choose their own childcare provider and all payments go directly to that childcare program.

Criteria:

•You and your family must live in Pennsylvania.

•You must have a child or children under age 13 who need childcare while you

work or attend an education program.

•All children in care must be United States citizens or lawful permanent residents.

•Your family’s income cannot be more than 200% of the federal poverty income

guidelines. For example, a family of four must earn less than $46,100 in 2012 to

be eligible (2012 Annual Federal Poverty Guidelines are located on

page 32 ).

•Each parent or guardian in your household must (a) work 20 or more hours

per week, OR (b) work 10 hours or more and go to school for 10 hours or more

per week, OR (c) have a promise of a job that will start within 30 days of your

application.

•Each parent or guardian must have proof of identification.

Early Head Start (EHS) is a special Head Start program that provides free education, health, and social services for pregnant women and families with children under age 3. Services can be offered at a center or in the family’s home. EHS programs help families get needed social services to help them become self-sufficient. Families can apply for EHS services through their local EHS provider. You can find a program in your community through the

Head Start Center Locator.

Pre-K Counts is a Pennsylvania preschool program that provides free, high quality education to help get young children ready for school. Pre-K Counts provides half-day or full-day pre-kindergarten programs. These programs use a curriculum that will help children grow academically and socially. Pre-K Counts classrooms offer small class sizes.

Criteria:

•Are between age 3 and the entry age for kindergarten in the school district where the child lives

•Are at risk of school failure due to income (family income is below 300% of the federal poverty level, or a family of four earning not more than $69,050 in 2012), language (English is not the child’s first language), or special needs issues.

Call: 610-820-5333

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