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8/11/2025

Creating Inclusive Child Care Spaces for Neurodivergent Kids This School Year

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As families prepare for the back-to-school season, one critical conversation is gaining momentum: how to create inclusive environments for neurodivergent children in early childhood education. Dr. Melanie Johnson, President and CEO of Collaborative for Children, recently joined Click2Houston to share insights on how child care centers and families can better support children with diverse learning needs.

Collaborative for Children Builds Inclusive Learning for Every Child

Collaborative for Children is a Houston-based nonprofit that transforms early childhood education through innovation, equity, and evidence-based practices. Under Dr. Johnson’s leadership, our organization has launched initiatives like Centers of Excellence, Collab Kid U, and the Collab-Lab mobile classroom, all designed to improve school-readiness outcomes for children from birth to age five.

These programs go beyond traditional daycare. They offer certified early childhood education (ECE) training, STEAM-based curriculum, and personalized support for neurodivergent learners—children with autism, ADHD, sensory processing differences, and other cognitive variations.

Why Neurodiversity Matters in Early Childhood Education

Neurodiversity is the idea that neurological differences are natural variations of the human brain. In early childhood, these differences can show up in how children communicate, play, or respond to sensory input. Without inclusive environments, neurodivergent children may struggle to grow in traditional classrooms or daycare settings.

Collaborative for Children addresses this by training educators to recognize early signs of neurodivergence and adapt teaching strategies accordingly. Our Centers of Excellence use sensory-friendly spaces, visual schedules, and social-emotional learning tools to help children in our Centers of Excellence and home feel safe and supported.

Parents Play a Key Role in Inclusive Education

Dr. Johnson emphasizes that inclusion starts at home. Parents can support neurodivergent children by choosing child care centers that prioritize individualized learning and emotional development. Collaborative for Children offers resources to help families find high-quality child care and even supports learning at home through our Parents as Teachers program.

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Find the Right Child Care Solution

If you’re a parent of a neurodivergent child, or simply want the best start for your little one, Collaborative for Children offers the tools and support you need. From certified ECE curriculum to STEAM learning and inclusive classrooms, our programs are designed to meet children where they are—and help them grow.

Find the Best Child Care Now

FAQs

What is neurodiversity in early childhood education?

Neurodiversity refers to natural differences in how children’s brains develop and function. In education, it means recognizing and supporting children with autism, ADHD, and other cognitive variations through inclusive teaching methods.

How does Collaborative for Children support neurodivergent kids?

Collaborative for Children trains educators in inclusive practices, offers sensory-friendly classrooms, and provides STEAM-based curriculum tailored to diverse learning needs.

Can parents get help choosing the right child care center?

Yes. Collaborative for Children offers tools and guidance to help families find high-quality child care centers that support neurodivergent learners and promote school readiness.

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