Submission Type: Practice-Based
Final Rating: Promising Practice
Date Submitted: Spring 2023
Focus Area: Social Emotional Well-Being
Focus Population: Children, Teachers, Owners, Caregivers, Guardians, Administrators, Parents
Contact Information:
Emily ScottÂ
Executive Director
(405) 434-5507
PO Box 42133 Oklahoma City, OK 73162
Goals and Outcomes:
TOCA Goals:Â
1. The project aims to enhance the knowledge of childcare providers regarding evidence-based strategies for child development. It seeks to ensure providers are equipped with up-to-date information, research findings, and best practices in the field.
2. The project encourages childcare providers to implement evidence-based strategies in their daily practices. It aims to bridge the gap between knowledge and implementation, equipping providers with practical tools and strategies to create a nurturing and supportive environment for children.
3. By increasing the knowledge and implementation of evidence-based strategies, the project ultimately aims to improve child development outcomes. It seeks to enhance children's social, emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being, ensuring they receive high-quality care and support in their early years.
4. Develop a standardized and comprehensive training program for childcare coaches in Oklahoma to specialize in supporting childcare providers dealing with autism.
5. Increase the knowledge and skills of the trained childcare coaches to effectively assess, plan, and implement strategies that support children with autism in childcare settings.
6. Improve the overall quality of care and inclusivity for children with autism in Oklahoma's childcare facilities.
Intended Outcomes:Â
1. The project intends to raise awareness among childcare providers about the importance and benefits of evidence-based strategies. Providers will gain a deeper understanding of their practices' impact on child development and the long-term benefits of implementing evidence-based approaches.
2. The project aims to equip childcare providers with the knowledge and skills to implement evidencebased strategies effectively. Providers will understand child development comprehensively and acquire practical tools and techniques to support children's growth and development.
3. The project intends to promote the adoption of evidence-based practices by childcare providers. It seeks to inspire and empower providers to implement research-informed strategies in their daily routines, resulting in improved quality of care and positive outcomes for children.
4. The project aims to strengthen support systems for childcare providers through collaborations and partnerships. It seeks to create a network of professionals, experts, and peers who can offer providers ongoing support, guidance, and mentorship, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
5. The project aims to have a sustainable impact on the childcare sector. By equipping providers with the knowledge and skills to implement evidence-based strategies, the project seeks to create a lasting change in childcare practices. Ongoing support, monitoring, and evaluation will ensure the project's long-term effectiveness and enable necessary adjustments and improvements.
6. Increased availability of trained childcare coaches throughout Oklahoma, ensuring that childcare providers have access to specialized support for children with autism.
7. Measurable improvements in the satisfaction and confidence levels of childcare providers in their ability to support children with autism, resulting in increased retention rates and overall quality of care within childcare facilities
By achieving these goals and intended outcomes, the project aspires to elevate childcare providers' knowledge, skills, and practices, ultimately benefiting the well-being and development of children in childcare settings.
Brief Summary:
Inequities in childcare for children with autism are a significant concern. These inequities can manifest in various ways, including limited access to inclusive childcare options, inadequate training for childcare providers, and financial barriers.
One of the primary challenges faced by families of children with autism is the lack of accessible and inclusive childcare services. Many traditional childcare settings may not have the necessary knowledge or resources to support the unique needs of children with autism effectively. Families often struggle to find suitable options for their children, leading to limited choices and potential exclusion from mainstream childcare settings. This lack of accessible and inclusive options can burden families unfairly, as they may need to navigate complex systems and travel long distances to find appropriate care.
Furthermore, the training and expertise of childcare providers in understanding and supporting children with autism can be inadequate. Many childcare providers receive minimal or no training on autism-specific strategies and interventions. This knowledge gap can hinder their ability to create an inclusive environment, provide appropriate support, and facilitate the social and emotional development of children with autism. Addressing these inequities requires a multi-faceted approach involving expanding access to inclusive childcare options, increasing training and education for childcare providers on autism-specific strategies, and implementing financial support programs to alleviate the financial burden on families. Collaboration between childcare providers, policymakers, advocacy groups, and families is essential to create a more equitable childcare system that recognizes and supports the unique needs of children with autism and their families.
TOCA aims to achieve three primary objectives. Our first goal is to augment the knowledge and awareness of autism among childcare providers. Secondly, we strive to establish a comprehensive training program for childcare coaches across Oklahoma who specialize in supporting childcare providers caring for children with autism. Lastly, we aim to provide personalized coaching to childcare providers, catering to the unique needs of each child or classroom in their endeavors to support children with autism. Through these efforts, we aim to enhance the availability and quality of childcare services, fostering inclusivity for children with autism throughout the state.Â