9.2.1.5: Nondiscriminatory Policy

The facility’s written admission policy should be nondiscriminatory in regard to race, culture, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, sexual preference, or disability. A copy of the policy and definitions of eligibility should be available for review on demand.

RATIONALE

Nondiscriminatory policies advocate for quality child care services for all children regardless of the child’s citizenship, residency status, financial resources, and language differences (1).

COMMENTS

Facilities should be able to accommodate all children except those whose needs require extreme modifications beyond the capability of the facility’s resources. Facilities should not have blanket policies against admitting children with disabilities. Instead, a facility should make an individual assessment of a child’s needs and the facility’s ability to meet those needs. Federal laws (e.g., Americans with Disabilities Act) do not permit discrimination based on disability. Inclusion of children with special health care needs and disabilities in all child care and early childhood educational programs is strongly encouraged.

TYPE OF FACILITY

Center, Early Head Start, Head Start, Large Family Child Care Home, Small Family Child Care Home

REFERENCES

1. U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, Disability Rights Section. 1997. Commonly asked questions about child care centers and the Americans with Disabilities Act. http://www.ada.gov/childq%26a.htm.