Autism Child Care Connection Inc. was started in June 2006 by mother and daughter Linda Flamer and Nicole Flamer. Nicole is a mother of three children, two of which have been diagnosed with autism. After years of caring for the children and noting their individual needs, Linda and Nicole decided to create a place for other children and their parents that can help support the family as a whole. They decided the best way to do that is to open an inclusive child care center that focuses on children with autism. In August Linda and Nicole formed a non profit corporation. Since then Autism Child Care Connection Inc. has held two parent information meetings, a nutrition seminar and are embarking on a second community awareness day. The organization has grown to include a small but committed group of people who also want to see this child care and support center come to life.
Children with autism have special needs. Their families and care givers also have complex needs and issues that haven't been adequately fulfilled by social service agencies or the private sector. One of those needs is child care. Child care is one of the most important issues to working families, regardless of whether a child has a disability. We will provide child care in an inclusive and compassionate environment, where parents can feel comfortable that their child is being engaged and taken care of. In addition to the child care center we will also offer many educational programs and a parent center, where parents can get together and meet while their children are being cared for in the next room.
Our Goals
Inclusive Child Care Facility Children with disabilities require special care, they also benefit from being around children who don't have disabilities. Our center will combine these two ideas and offer quality specialized care to children with and with out special needs.
Parental Support and Advocacy Many parents, after receiving the diagnosis have no idea what to do, where to turn, or who to call. We hope to provide that information and also advocate for services available from government and county agencies.
Training for parents and child care providers Many procedures, techniques, and programs have been developed to cope with the needs of the autistic community. Many are good but no one technique works for all the children. We want to have training sessions on how to use the various procedures and provide education so that parents can know what to choose for their child.
Cultivate Community Awareness Many people do not know what Autism is. We will bring seminars, workshops, and clinics to the community to inform parents and teachers about autism and effective treatments and therapies. We also want to provide a place to allow health care professionals to assess children and provide special services
Miscellaneous Services We will help parents to access services like spiritual counseling and respite care that give parents much-needed renewal and refueling.
