At Starting Point, we believe that every child—regardless of ability—deserves access to quality care and education.
Since 2000, our Special Needs Child Care program, generously funded by Cuyahoga County through Invest In Children, has helped families across Northeast Ohio find the support their children need to thrive.
As Ohio’s first Child Care Resource and Referral to offer early specialized consultation for children with medical, developmental, and behavioral challenges, we’ve led the way in ensuring all children receive the technical care they deserve. Each year, we guide thousands of children and their families, connecting them with child care options, training educators, and advocating for their rights under key disability laws.
Over the years, we’ve expanded to meet new challenges and utilize the new techniques developed for the field. In 2004, we introduced the Devereux Early Childhood Assessment (DECA) to help childcare centers assess and strengthen children’s social-emotional growth. This program continues to expand, now reaching into Ashtabula County. In 2010, we launched the Boys’ Project to address young boys’ unique struggles in school, particularly in African American and Hispanic/Latino communities. This led to Wired to Move, a guide that helps teachers support boys’ learning and development.
Today, our work continues to grow. We assist families with preschool Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), support smoother kindergarten transitions, and connect parents with early childhood mental health resources. We’re also working to reduce expulsions, ensuring children receive the support they need to stay in school and succeed.
Our success is built on strong partnerships. By working together, we’re creating a future where all children, no matter their challenges, have the opportunities they deserve. Because when children receive the right support early on, they don’t just grow—they thrive.
