Parenting is never easy, but families that include children with disabilities face additional challenges that can lead to stress, anxiety, and isolation. The Children's Trust wants all parents to know they are not alone, and its aim is to "nurture greatness" in every child. Here's what you need to know about programs for families raising children with disabilities.

Why Early Detection and Intervention are Important

Early detection and intervention are critical to helping young children follow their best developmental trajectory and reach their full potential. There are resources available, like the CDC's Developmental Milestones, to help you determine whether your child is reaching developmental milestones. But, as all parents know, every child is different. It can be hard to notice symptoms in certain developmental delays or differences in how symptoms show up from one child to the next. There is also a lack of public training available to help identify developmental delays.

The National Survey of Children's Health estimates nearly 19 percent of children under age 5 in Florida, or about 28,000 in Miami-Dade, have special health care needs. A related study from the University of Miami suggests these numbers could be closer to 25%. The Children's Trust funds programs focused on developmental screening, identification, and early intervention to support these families.

Thrive by 5 is a Children's Trust-funded initiative focused on the first five years of a child's life. During this integral developmental period, 90% of the brain is formed. Under the Thrive by 5 umbrella, families can receive Families Forward Child Care Scholarships, specialized autism assessments, short-term intervention for children who don't meet the criteria to receive state-funded services, summer programming for children ages birth to 5 with developmental disabilities who receive school-year services, Jump Start early childhood and infant mental health consultations, and more. Thrive by 5 also funds support and bonuses for essential childhood educators.

More Ways We Can Help

Stress and anxiety can be contagious, and taking care of yourself can have a positive effect on your child. According to a 2023 study into parental stress in families of children with special educational needs, "professional support can improve positive coping skills and gain a better understanding of a child's progress."

The Children's Trust has invested more than 41 million dollars in support of children and youth with disabilities. About half of the annual investment supports in-home support tailored to each family's needs, including help with daily living activities, verbal or nonverbal communication, medication administration, or assistance related to medical conditions, and/or aggressive or self-injurious behaviors. These in-home supports provide critical relief to often-overburdened parents and help maintain family stability.

According to national studies, every dollar invested in early childhood programs yields a return of $7 to $17 in long-term economic benefits. It's not just the economy that benefits from early childhood intervention and inclusive settings. Children with and without disabilities benefit from inclusive settings, with outcomes including a higher likelihood of displaying positive social behaviors and supportive relationships, and help all children feel valued and included, giving a welcome boost to self-esteem and confidence. These positive outcomes are why the other half of The Trust’s investment goes towards after-school and summer programming needs.

Parents of children with disabilities should never feel alone. The Children's Trust will be by their side from early intervention throughout a child's life.

If you’re wondering how to advocate for your child throughout their education journey, find information, resources, support, coaching, and advocacy at Trust-funded partner Parent to Parent Miami. For more information, visit The Trust’s website page dedicated to children with disabilities. To find a program near you, visit The Trust’s Find a Program page, and click on “Special Needs” in the category box.