Child Care Centers and the Americans with Disabilities Act

U.S. Department of Justice

Civil Rights Division

Disability Rights Section

Child Care Centers and the Americans with Disabilities Act

Privately-run child care centers - like other public accommodations such as private schools, recreation centers, restaurants, hotels, movie theaters, and banks must comply with title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Child care services provided by State and local government agencies, such as Head Start, summer programs, and extended school day programs, must comply with title II of the ADA. Both titles apply to a child care center's interactions with the children, parents, guardians, and potential customers that it serves.

The U.S. Department of Justice answers questions about the ADA and provides free publications by mail and fax through its ADA Information Line and on its ADA Home Page on the Internet.

ADA Information Line 800-514-0301 (Voice) 800-514-0383 (TDD)

The ADA Information Line provides answers to general and technical questions, on Monday thru Friday from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. except Thursdays when the hours are from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. (Eastern Time). You may also order regulations and other free materials for mail delivery 24 hours a day.

ADA Information by Fax provides many ADA publications that can sent directly to your fax machine. To order, call the ADA Information Line at any time and follow the fax-back system directions.

ADA Home Page on the Internet

The Department of Justice's ADA Home Page provides free information including technical assistance materials, enforcement information including settlement agreements, links to other Federal agencies and updates on new and pending ADA requirements.

Examples of ADA Information Available

Commonly Asked Questions about Child Care Centers and the ADA

A 13-page publication that provides answers to commonly asked questions about how the ADA applies to Child Care Centers.

ADA Questions and Answers

A 32-page booklet in easy-to-use question and answer format giving an overview of the ADA's requirements.

Checklist for Readily Achievable Barrier Removal

This document helps identify accessibility problems in small to medium-sized existing facilities and provides sample solutions for some common architectural barriers.

Tax Credits and Deductions

To assist businesses with complying with the ADA, Section 44 of the IRS Code allows a tax credit for small businesses and Section 190 of the IRS Code allows a tax deduction for all businesses. These credits and deductions for businesses can be used to cover selected costs of providing access to people with disabilities.

Reproduction of this document is encouraged. 11/97