RE: Question 1: Pre-school support

Identifying children with special needs must also include children with any outstanding health or developmental issues.  Asthma, allergies, diabetes, even common childhood conditions can impact a child's ability to dvelop and learn, a program's ability to care for them, and a families ability to leave the child knowing the child is safely cared for.  Alos, schools and child care programs need to be safe and healthy and ready to receive children.  Toxic environments containing lead, pesticides, and practicing unsafe procedures place both children and staff at risk.  Child Care Health Consultants within the health department, licensing or R&Rs; can help address all of these issues.