BASE and the Reality of After-School Care for Kids with Special Needs
From SpecialEd, IEPs, 504s, Oh my! Conversations with DCSEAC by DCSEAC
May 18, 2026 · 36 min · Season 1 · Episode 32
About this episode
The episode discusses the challenges of the BASE program for families of children with special needs.
In this episode, host Meredith is joined by board members Aleia, Courtney, and first-time guest Elissa for an honest, heartfelt conversation about BASE — Douglas County's Before and After School Enrichment program — and the unique challenges it presents for families of children with special needs. Elissa shares her family's personal journey navigating BASE with her son, who has diagnoses of ADHD and autism. From referral systems and dismissals to creative childcare patchwork, her story will resonate with any parent who has ever felt like the system just can't keep up with their kid. What We Cover BASE & Section 504 : BASE is part of the school district and must follow 504 law — meaning your child's 504 accommodations (quiet spaces, visual schedules, sensory tools) still apply after 3:30 PM. The Referral System : How Douglas County's referral policy works, what happens after a child is excused from the program, and why being dismissed from one BASE means dismissal from all BASE programs district-wide. Strategies That Help : Re-entry meetings, step-wised re-entry plans, identifying behavioral triggers, and bringing sensory tools from home (chewies, weighted blankets). Summer…
People in this episode
Host: Meredith
Guests: Aleia, Courtney, Elissa
Topics covered
- after-school care
- special needs
- BASE program
- 504 accommodations
- childcare challenges
- parenting strategies
- summer care
Keywords
- BASE
- special needs
- ADHD
- autism
- childcare
- 504 law
- referral system
- summer care
- parenting
- sensory tools
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Douglas County, Colorado's Family Leave Law, Developmental Pathways
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