ADA Training In California - post

Opening and running child care in California means planning for every child—including children with disabilities. That is where ADA training can help. ADA training teaches you how to include children fairly, follow the law, and build a welcoming program. #ADA #CaliforniaChildCare

What does “ADA” mean in child care?

ADA stands for the Americans with Disabilities Act. It is a federal civil rights law. In simple words, it helps make sure people with disabilities have equal access to services—like child care.

The ADA can apply to:

• Private child care centers (usually covered under ADA Title III)

• Child care run by a government agency (usually covered under ADA Title II)

This matters because the ADA is about fair treatment. It also helps you avoid turning a child away just because a child learns, moves, or communicates differently.

Why is ADA training especially important in California?

California child care providers work with many different children and families. The state also has strong rules about equal access.

Here are two big reasons ADA training matters in California:

• California child care licensing supports protections for all children, including children of all abilities.

• California has disability discrimination laws (like FEHA, the Unruh Civil Rights Act, and the Disabled Persons Act) that protect people from disability discrimination and require reasonable accommodations in many situations.

So, ADA training is not just “good to have.” It helps you:

• Build a safer, kinder program

• Communicate better with families

• Make fair decisions

• Reduce complaints and misunderstandings

What does the ADA usually require child care providers to do?

The ADA does not say you must change your whole program for every request. But it does say you must be fair and do what is reasonable in many cases.

In child care, ADA guidance explains that providers should:

• Not exclude a child with a disability unless there is a real safety risk (“direct threat”) or the program would have to change in a major way (“fundamental alteration”)

• Make reasonable modifications to rules and routines when needed

• Support effective communication (for example, with helpful tools or aids) when it is not too hard or too costly

• Think about accessibility in the space (like removing barriers when possible)

A key idea is individualized assessment. That means you look at each child’s needs one child at a time. You do not make choices based on fear or stereotypes.

What is a “reasonable accommodation” in a daycare?

A reasonable accommodation is a change that helps a child participate, without breaking safety rules or changing the program in a big way.

Here are simple examples many programs use:

• A visual schedule with pictures for transitions

• A quieter space for breaks

• A different chair, mat, or adaptive tool

• Simple language and clear directions

• Extra time to finish a task

• A plan for allergies, sensory needs, or behavior supports (when appropriate)

These supports often help many children, not only one child. That is why inclusion can be good for the whole classroom. #InclusiveChildCare

What ADA training does ChildCareEd offer for California providers?

If you want clear, practical training that focuses on real child care situations, ChildCareEd offers a course with a title that tells you exactly what it covers:

Including All Children and the Americans with Disabilities Act
This is a 3-hour Instructor-Led Zoom training where you learn about ADA requirements and inclusion strategies for child care settings.
Course link: https://www.childcareed.com/courses-including-all-children-and-the-americans-with-disabilities-act.html

Because it is instructor-led, you can:

• Learn live with an instructor on Zoom

• Ask questions

• Hear examples and ideas you can use right away

Will I get a certificate?
Yes. ChildCareEd explains that after you successfully complete training, you receive your certificate (sent by email).
#ChildCareTraining

What other ChildCareEd courses support ADA and inclusion?

If you want more support beyond the main ADA course, these courses connect closely to inclusion work:

• Access for All: Inclusion and the ADA (online)
  https://www.childcareed.com/courses-access-for-all-inclusion-and-the-ada-1.html

• Special Needs: From Referral to Inclusion (online)
  This course covers inclusion strategies and talks about ADA and supports like IEPs.
  https://www.childcareed.com/courses-special-needs-from-referral-to-inclusion.html

What should I do after I finish ADA training?

Training is the first step. Next, put what you learned into your everyday work.

Here is a simple checklist:

• Update your policies

  • Enrollment and inclusion statements

  • Behavior guidance

  • Communication and family meetings

• Create a clear “accommodation request” process

  • Who families talk to

  • What info you need (in simple, respectful words)

  • How you make decisions (case-by-case)

• Train your whole team

  • Share key points in a staff meeting

  • Practice what to say (and what not to say)

• Do a classroom “access check”

  • Are pathways clear?

  • Are materials easy to reach?

  • Do children have choices and supports?

• Keep notes

  • Write down what supports you tried and what worked

  • This helps you stay organized and fair

How do I talk to families about ADA needs in a kind way?

Sometimes providers worry they will “say the wrong thing.” A simple, friendly approach helps.

You can say:

• “Tell me what helps your child have a good day.”

• “What routines are hardest right now?”

• “What support works at home or in therapy?”

• “Let’s make a plan together.”

Try to avoid:

• “We don’t take children with that diagnosis.”

• “We can’t do anything extra.”

• “Your child is too much for us.”

Remember: ADA guidance stresses you should not assume a child cannot be included without first doing an individualized look at what the child needs and what your program can reasonably do.

Where can I get more ADA help from ChildCareEd?

Use these ChildCareEd links as quick support tools:

• Resource: https://www.childcareed.com/r-00246-ada-childcare-all-ages-admin.html

• Related article: https://www.childcareed.com/a/what-child-care-providers-need-to-know-including-all-children-and-the-americans-disability-act.html

Want more helpful training tips? Follow ChildCareEd

For reminders, quick tips, and new trainings, follow ChildCareEd on social media:

👉 Follow ChildCareEd on Instagram: https://instagram.com/childcareed
Tap “Follow” so you can keep learning and keep your program strong. #EarlyChildhoodEducation

Note: This article shares general information, not legal advice. If you have a complex situation, consider speaking with California licensing or a qualified professional.