This new innovative program is aimed at the inclusion of young children (aged 0-3) with special needs within a regular day care center. Children with varying developmental delays, who will benefit from inclusion with typically developing peers are integrated into the various classes in a local day care center in Beit Shemesh.

These children are assisted by aides, provided by the social welfare department and are included in the regular programming of the center. They receive the para-medical therapies they require on site by therapists of Mercaz Rakefet Child Development Center. In addition, the staff of the day care center receives regular training on child development issues throughout the year presented by our therapists.

Families are referred through the social welfare department or baby clinics in the city. To enter the program they are interviewed and their needs are assessed.

The program is coordinated by our social worker, Vardit Spiegelman who acts as the liaison between the families, the day care center, the child development center and the social welfare department.

This program is funded by Ashalim, a division of the Joint Distribution Committee, together with the health ministry and the social welfare ministry.

For more information about this project, contact Vardit Spiegelman - vardit@ligdolvlifroach.org