MECA - Disability Support Program (DSP) What is the goal of DSP? The Disability Support Program (DSP) helps families of children with disabilities by increasing the capacity for inclusive child care. DSP works with child care professionals to enhance skill and knowledge levels through educational instruction. Enhance the quality and availability of child care programs for children with a disability. Support child care providers serving children with a disability. Increase caregiver awareness of new practices that benefit children with a disability. Team Approach to Care We utilize a team approach to caring for children with disabilities. We believe in collaborating across organizations to maximize services for each child. What can we offer families? Families receive training for their chosen child care provider, case management services, free onsite educational classes, and links to community resources. Assistance updating Wisconsin Shares child care authorizations Verification of child’s disability for benefits and services Free training for the child care provider on child’s care needs Networking and support through connections to community resources Assistance for parents of teens 13 years of age and older that continue to need care Resources to help families find a child care provider that best fits their needs What can we offer child care providers? Onsite technical assistance by qualified professionals from the community who share information and strategies on how to care for children with a disability, based on the family's eligibility. Child care professionals have access to Inclusion Credential classes through local technical colleges and the onsite technical assistance supplement supports this training. Educational information on a variety of health care topics and disabilities We can help answer these questions: Who do I contact for services? How do I make a referral? What trainings are being offered? Read more about children with special needs on the YoungStar Inclusion web pages. DSP Training Information DSP offers a variety of disability training, including, but not limited to: Autism Spectrum Disorder ADHD and Coexisting Disorders Down Syndrome Challenging Behaviors Cerebral Palsy Epilepsy and Seizer Disorders Intellectual Disability Reactive Attachment Disorder Asthma Care Other Health Care Issues Sensory Integration Disorder Speech Language Development Social and Emotional Development For more information, call 414-615-6347 or email DCFDisabilityProgram@wisconsin.gov. Training Resources MECA Disability Program (DP) Telephone: 414-615-6347 Fax: 414-615-6394 Disability Resource Center of Milwaukee County The Disability Resource Center of Milwaukee County provides free information and assistance regarding community resources and services for adults with differing abilities ages 18 to 59. DRC staff assist individuals to plan for short-term and long-term needs, access community services and resources, and learn about programs and benefits available. Telephone: 414-289-6660 Email: dsd@milwaukeecountywi.gov DSD Children’s Services Unit Creating a system where children with disabilities in Milwaukee County will have support and services and can flourish socially and emotionally, be active participants in their community, and experience success in life. Birth to Three Program Children's Long-Term Services Children's Community Options Program Youth Transition Services Telephone: 414-289-6799 4C for Children - Child Care Resource & Referral 4C For Children is the Child Care Resource & Referral Agency (CCR&R) serving the Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Washington, and Waukesha Counties in southeastern Wisconsin. 4C offers a variety of services that support quality Early Care and Education. Training for existing and new child care providers Help parents navigate the process of child care options available Works closely with the State of Wisconsin regarding the delivery of YoungStar services Provides a USDA Food Service program for family child care providers Telephone: 414-562-2676 Email: 4c@4c-forchildren.org WI Family Assistance Center for Education, Training and Support (FACETS) WI FACETS goal is to provide and broaden opportunities that enhance the quality of life for children and adults with disabilities and their families, with emphasis on support for underserved families in the community. Helps parents build partnerships with those who provide services to their children Connects families to community resources Educates parents on their rights and how to use those rights to become involved in their child’s education Empowers parents and young adults so they may advocate effectively for their own needs Provides information and resources to educators and other professionals who support children with disabilities Telephone: 414-374-4645 Toll-free: 877-374-0511 Making a Referral to the Disability Support Program Who is eligible? Any family receiving Wisconsin Shares child care subsidy assistance or participating in W-2 activities that has a child with a health care need or developmental disability. Who can make the referral? A variety of people can make the referral to the Disability Support program. Parent or Guardian MECA Authorization Staff Department of Human Services (DHS) Staff W-2 Staff Birth to Three Program Child Care Providers MPS School District (Early Childhood Program) Milwaukee County Disability Services (Children's Unit) Community Disability Organizations Children's Hospital (SE Regional Center - Children & Youth with Special Health Care Needs) How do I submit a referral? Call 414-615-6347 or email DCFDisabilitySupport@wisconsin.gov the request for services with the following information: Parent Name Daytime Phone Number Type of Assistance Needed Contact Information for Disability Support Program Ann Farah, Program Coordinator Phone: 414-615-6347 Fax: 414-615-6394 Email: DCFDisabilitySupport@wisconsin.gov Disability Support Program Milwaukee Early Care Administration 1220 W. Vliet St., 2nd Floor Milwaukee, WI 53205 Hours: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Monday through Friday NOTE: walk-in option to the building is not currently available due to COVID-19.
