Special Needs Care
We provide assistance to parents and providers seeking resources on disabilities and other special needs, training, parent support, inclusive child care, ADA regulations, and referrals to community programs and resources throughout San Diego County.
Enhanced Referrals
The Y is committed to ensuring that everyone has the care and environment they need to flourish. We offer a variety of programs and services to help families care for children with disabilities and special needs. Through our enhanced referral service, our consultants will help you find the appropriate care to meet the specific needs of your child and family. Our enhanced referral services offer a specialized search within our referral database for licensed family child care homes and centers that have training or education in working with children who have disabilities and special needs, and support to help you create an early partnership with your child care provider.
Respite Care
We understand how rewarding, and sometimes challenging it can be providing constant care to a child with special needs. Our respite care program gives families short-term relief from the continual care of their child with developmental disabilities. Respite care allows families the opportunity to:
- Engage in leisure activities
- Spend one-on-one time with spouse or other family members
- Run Errands
- Relax
In-home Respite Care
With in-home respite care, a trained YMCA staff will provide care service in your home. Care providers must be CPR and First Aid certified, clear a reference and background check, and have experience working with children.
Out-of-home Respite Care
With out-of-home respite care, service is provided at a licensed child care facility or licensed family child care home.
Respite Care Eligibility
All referrals to the Respite Unit come directly from the San Diego Regional Center. Regional Center service coordinators will review your needs and decide whether you qualify for respite and how many care hours per quarter you will receive.