iCare Connect Sensitive Conversations Program (SCP)

Partnering with Parents for Safer, Stronger, and More Supported Children

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Purpose of the Program

Many families experience hesitation or difficulty when sharing full details about their child’s needs. This may be due to:

      •     Fear of labeling or being judged

      •     Cultural beliefs or generational perspectives

      •     Prior negative childcare or school experiences

      •     Embarrassment or uncertainty

      •     Lack of an official diagnosis or incomplete information

The Sensitive Conversations Program (SCP) creates a supportive, private, and non-judgmental space for parents to gradually disclose their child’s needs. This ensures that iCare Connect staff can provide the safest, most appropriate care for each child.

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Confidentiality & Support Commitment

All information shared through the SCP is:

      •     Private and confidential

      •     Used only to support the child

      •     Not shared outside of the care team

      •     Not used to deny enrollment

Our goal is to understand your child so we can keep them safe, comfortable, and supported.

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Collaboration With Outside Providers

Some children receive services at home, through the school district, or through community agencies. When parents share this information with us, we can:

      •     Follow the same strategies

      •     Maintain consistency between home and school

      •     Ensure safety precautions are in place

      •     Include providers in the child’s support plan (with consent)

Examples of outside supports include:

      •     Speech therapy

      •     Occupational therapy

      •     Physical therapy

      •     ABA therapy

      •     Mental health counseling

      •     Early Intervention

      •     Case management

      •     Behavioral coaching

If your child receives services of any kind, please let us know so your child’s care plan can be aligned across all settings.

If a Child Has Suspected Needs but No Diagnosis

Even without an official diagnosis, your child can still be fully supported.

We will:

      •     Create a 30-Day Observation & Support Plan

      •     Document behaviors, patterns, strengths, and triggers

      •     Identify sensory, behavioral, or developmental needs

      •     Provide classroom supports during the 30-day period

      •     Schedule a follow-up meeting with parent

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Parent Conversation Script / Informing Families

“Please let me know if ANY of these apply — even if they are not officially diagnosed.”

      •     Developmental delays

      •     Autism spectrum indicators

      •     Down Syndrome characteristics

      •     Speech delays

      •     Cognitive concerns

      •     IEP or 504 Plan

      •     Behavioral or safety plans

      •     Elopement or running behavior

      •     1:1 support or small-group support

      •     Feeding or swallowing concerns

      •     Toileting assistance

      •     Sensory sensitivities (sound, lights, touch, textures)

      •     Frequent redirection or inability to focus

      •     Aggression, self-injury, or frustration behaviors

      •     Rigid routines or difficulty with transitions

      •     Outside services (speech, OT, PT, ABA, mental health therapy)

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Reassurance for Families

“We are not labeling your child — we are creating a support plan.”

Many children need extra help at different stages. Sharing this information helps us:

      •     Keep your child safe

      •     Prevent incidents

      •     Create the right support plan

      •     Maintain consistency

      •     Ensure staff knows what to do

Your honesty ensures we are fully prepared to care for your child.

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30-Day Observation Plan Process

Step 1 — Initial Meeting

Discuss concerns, observations, and needs.

Step 2 — Create the Support Plan

Supports may include:

      •     Classroom strategies

      •     Small-group placement

      •     Sensory tools

      •     Modified routines

      •     Behavior or safety supports

      •     Staff check-ins

Step 3 — Document Daily Observations

Teachers track:

      •     Behaviors

      •     Triggers

      •     Communication

      •     Social interactions

      •     Safety concerns

      •     Progress made

Step 4 — Family Check-In

Scheduled follow-up at 30 days to review:

      •     Progress

      •     Concerns

      •     Updated plan

      •     Next steps (if any)

“Within 30 days, we will review progress together and update the plan.”

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________“Our goal is partnership.”

Thank you for trusting us with your child. Your open communication allows us to support your child’s safety, learning, and well-being every day. We are committed to working with you continuously, adjusting the plan as needed, and ensuring your child receives the best care possible.

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Voucher Requirement Disclosure

The Request for Payment & Child Support Needs Disclosure Form must be:

      •     Completed in full

      •     Submitted to the Department of Children & Youth

      •     Updated with any new information

This ensures:

      •     Accurate voucher payment

      •     Correct rate approval

      •     Safety provisions

      •     Staffing support

      •     Appropriate care aligned to your child’s needs