For child care, preschools and schools

Practical, sourced guides for child care providers, teachers and paraprofessionals supporting young autistic children, from daily routines to IEPs and the law.

Written for child care providers, preschool and pre-K teachers, kindergarten to third grade teachers and paraprofessionals who support autistic children aged about 2 to 8.

Every guide links each fact to its source, dates anything that changes and says how strong the evidence is.

Parents and caregivers: you can share any of these guides with your child's child care program, preschool or school.

Supporting an autistic child in child care or preschool: a guide for staffPractical help for child care providers and preschool, pre-K and Head Start teachers: the day, communication and play, early intervention and IEP services in your room, the law and kindergarten.16 minute read How to talk with a family when you notice signs of autismHow to prepare, what to say and avoid, and where families can go next when you notice signs of autism in a child in your program or class.13 minute read Visual schedules, first-then boards and calm-down spaces in the classroomClass and individual visual schedules, first-then boards, transitions, AAC, sensory changes, and a calm-down space that never becomes seclusion, for teachers, providers and paras.13 minute read When an autistic student is in distress: meltdowns, behavior plans and what to avoidPreventing distress, staying calm in a meltdown, behavior plans written with families, what to avoid, and the rules on removals, restraint and seclusion.13 minute read An autistic student in your K to 3 classroom: the IEP or 504 plan and your partYour part on the IEP or 504 team, what least restrictive environment means, accommodations that work in K to 3, evaluations, the move to kindergarten and the 2026 federal changes.16 minute read Can a child care program or preschool turn away or expel an autistic child?The ADA bars turning a child away just for being autistic. What the law requires, the stricter Head Start and CCDF rules, and what to try before removal.12 minute read Working as a para or one-to-one aide with an autistic studentYour role under IDEA, what to know about the IEP, what research says about one-to-one support, and practical ways to give just enough help and build independence.12 minute read

Guides in this topic