County approves one-year amendment with Starting Point for prevention and inclusion services
October 31, 2024 | Cuyahoga County, Ohio
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Alyssa Swiatek, associate director with the Office of Early Childhood (Invest in Children), said the one-year amendment keeps Starting Point as the lead agency for Prevention and Inclusion services (formerly “Special Needs Child Care”). The program provides training, technical assistance, specialized equipment and family referrals to support childcare providers who care for young children with challenging behaviors, developmental delays or medical needs. Swiatek said the contract aims to support provider capacity and reduce expulsions, noting equity concerns for Black and Brown children, particularly boys, who are more likely to be identified with challenging behaviors.
Swiatek said the amended contract supports 1,000 children through technical assistance and provides enhanced referrals and service coordination for 250 children and families. Starting Point will issue an RFP in mid-2025 to select agencies for service years 2026–2027. Committee members affirmed that Starting Point, as the regional child care resource and referral agency, is uniquely positioned to coordinate services across centers, districts and family child care homes. The item will appear on the next agenda for second reading.
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