If you are the parent of a child with special needs and you want to put your child in daycare, you may be feeling a little overwhelmed. Children with special needs will need specialized care and making the decision about which special needs daycare to choose can be difficult. Here are some tips that will help you make the right decision about which daycare is right for your child.
Caregiver To Child Ratio
Special needs children require a lot of attention, so before enrolling your child in any program, you should consider the caregiver to child ratio. The more caregivers available to cater to the needs of fewer children, the better it will be for your child.
High Levels Of Communication
A special needs daycare should share with you the skills that your child will be taught each week. You should also get weekly progress reports from caregivers. Knowing what your child is learning and getting frequent reports will help you to monitor your child's progress. Regular reports also give you peace of mind, so you can be assured that your child is in good hands.
A Well Educated Staff
Dealing with special needs children requires specialized training. Don't be afraid to ask about the qualifications of the caregivers before you enroll your child in any daycare program. The higher their level of education in the area of special needs and the more experience they have, the better it will be for your child.
Regular Ongoing Assessment
Assessment should be ongoing. This means that caregivers should be using various techniques regularly to assess the progress of your child. This should include regular age appropriate projects and tests. The result of this assessment should be shared with you in a timely manner, so that you can see how much or how little your child is progressing.
Resident Counselor/Therapist
A resident counselor or therapist in a special needs daycare is always a good sign. Throughout the day special needs children may have issues that need to be dealt with outside the presence of their peers. Having someone on hand who can pull your child out and deal with issues on a one on one basis is always an asset.
Making a wise decision about which daycare to send your child can only happen if you are properly informed about what to look for. You should also bear in mind what is best for your child, as a program that works for one special needs child may not work for another. This is why careful monitoring of your child's progress is so important. For more information, contact establishments like Lapalco Learning Center.
I remember staying at home when I was a young child until I entered kindergarten. However, when I had my first child as a working mother, I realized that it was a good idea to transfer my child from a standard daycare facility to a preschool after I learned how they differ. Preschools typically have teachers trained in early childhood education, while many daycare centers do not. However, I became overwhelmed with all of my local preschool options and had to learn about all of the various types of preschool education offered today before I made my final decision. I was very happy with my choice, because my little one is now thriving in her new preschool. I am now researching elementary school options. I am eager to share what I have learned, and am still learning, about child education with anyone who needs the advice on my new blog!