Non-Discrimination Policy

Last updated: September, 2026

McKinley Early Childhood Center does not discriminate against children or families on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or age. The Center complies with applicable federal and state civil rights laws and regulations, including the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights requirements, and applicable Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY) requirements.

Children with Disabilities and Reasonable Modifications

In accordance with Title III of the ADA, the Center will provide children with disabilities an equal opportunity to participate in childcare services. When necessary, the Center will make reasonable modifications to its policies, practices, and procedures to provide equal access to its services, unless the requested modification would fundamentally alter the nature of the Center’s services.

Requesting a Reasonable Modification

A parent or guardian who believes their child needs a reasonable modification may make a request at any time, verbally or in writing. No special form or specific wording is required.

Requests should be directed to:

  • Stephanie Malone, Regional Director
  • (234) 200-1520
  • stephanie@mckinleykids.com

Requests may also be made to any Center Director or staff member, who will promptly refer the request to the appropriate person.

Review of Requests

The Center will review each request individually and discuss the child’s needs with the parent or guardian to determine whether a reasonable modification is necessary and appropriate under the ADA.

The Center may request limited information reasonably necessary to evaluate the request, including information regarding the child’s care needs or DCY 01236, Health Care Plan Documentation & Permission to Administer Medication, when applicable.

The Center will provide a written response within fourteen (14) days after receiving a request, whenever practicable. If additional information is needed, additional time may be necessary to complete the review, and the parent or guardian will be informed of the status of the request.

Civil Rights Complaints

A parent or guardian who believes the Center has discriminated against a child or family may make a complaint directly to the Center or may file a complaint with the appropriate government agency.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Complaints concerning disability discrimination or failure to provide a reasonable modification may be filed with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights (HHS OCR). HHS OCR accepts civil rights complaints online or in writing. Complaints generally must be filed within 180 days of the alleged discrimination, although extensions may be available for good cause.

  • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
  • Office for Civil Rights
  • Centralized Case Management Operations
  • 200 Independence Avenue, S.W.
  • Room 509F HHH Building
  • Washington, DC 20201
  • Email: OCRComplaint@hhs.gov

Complaints may also be submitted through the HHS Office for Civil Rights online complaint portal.

Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY)

Complaints concerning discrimination in the operation or enrollment practices of the Center may also be filed with the Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY), Bureau of Civil Rights. Ohio’s civil-rights complaint process permits discrimination complaints to be filed with DCY, and complaints received by DCY are forwarded to the appropriate civil-rights authority for investigation.

  • Ohio Department of Children and Youth
  • Bureau of Civil Rights
  • 30 E. Broad St., 30th Floor
  • Columbus, OH 43215-3414
  • Phone: (614) 644-2703
  • Toll-Free: 1-866-277-6353
  • TTY: 1-866-221-6700 or (614) 995-9961
  • Email: Civil_Rights@jfs.ohio.gov
  • Fax: (614) 752-6381

USDA Civil Rights

For programs or activities conducted or funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the USDA and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, as applicable to the particular USDA program. Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for USDA program information may contact the appropriate State or local agency administering the program or USDA through the Telecommunications Relay Service at 711. Program information may also be made available in languages other than English.

To file a USDA program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form (AD-3027) or submit a written letter containing the information requested in the form.

  • U.S. Department of Agriculture
  • Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
  • 1400 Independence Avenue, SW
  • Mail Stop 9410
  • Washington, DC 20250-9410
  • Email: program.intake@usda.gov

A copy of the AD-3027 complaint form may be obtained by calling (866) 632-9992.