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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Beverly A. Mulvihill, PhD, Susan Gyaben, MPH, and Janice Cotton, PhD. Civitan International Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1720 7th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294-0017, (205)934-9406, bmulvihill@civmail.circ.uab.edu
Introduction. This study gathered information to increase the state’s capacity for inclusive child and adolescent care. Focus groups and statewide surveys of key informants and child care information and referral agencies (CMAs) were conducted. Methods. Parents and professionals (n=25 each) volunteered for five focus groups. Participants were 88% female; 22% non-white. Further, 417 individuals knowledgeable about inclusive childcare and 12 CMA staff were mailed surveys. Data collection is on-going. Analysis. Quantitative and qualitative methods provided preliminarily summary responses. Transcripts of the focus groups were compiled and analyzed by content and themes. Descriptive statistics were obtained using SAS. Results. The transcripts confirmed the limited availability of inclusive care and parent and professional concerns about the quality and training of child care staff. Particular difficulty was noted for parents of older children or those with severe disabilities. About half of the key informants listed funding and staff training as both barriers and needed resources. The CMAs reported that 182 of 4313 facilities (4.2%) provided inclusive care; 45% of requests are for children above 13 years. All CMAs provided inclusion training, yet parents and professionals saw training as a major need. Implications. All groups expressed a need for more and better funding sources, but training for childcare staff was equally important. Negative attitudes and barriers can be ameliorated through training and experience, but a philosophical and economical commitment is needed to fully implement inclusive programs for all families. Results will be used to advocate for partnerships that can help fulfill such a commitment.
Learning Objectives:
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.