Finding Childcare for a Special Needs Child

Finding suitable childcare for a disabled child can be a complex process for parents. Whether you're working during the day and relying on daycare, heading out for the evening and needing a babysitter, or considering school or summer camp options, childcare can encompass a wide range of services. For parents of children with disabilities, the challenge often lies in finding care that adequately meets the needs of their child

Understanding the Needs of Children with Disabilities

When seeking childcare for a child with special needs, parents should consider the child’s condition and what accommodations they may need. Common conditions and accommodations associated with them can include:

1. Autism: Structured schedule, sensory-friendly spaces, trained staff in behavioral management, and communication support tools.
2. Mobility disabilities: Accessible facilities, adaptive equipment for activities.
3. Hearing impairment: Visual aids, staff proficient in sign language, and assistive listening devices.
4. Visual impairment: Braille materials, sensory-inclusive activities, easily navigable space.
5. Developmental and intellectual disabilities: Activities tailored to developmental levels.

Childcare for Children with Special Needs

Much like the school system, where you have public and private schools alongside specialized institutions like schools for the deaf or blind, daycares and childcare centers are similarly structured. You may find centers that specialize in certain disabilities, while others do not.

There are benefits to enrolling your child in a traditional daycare, such as fostering disability inclusion and acceptance among children without disabilities. Some parents appreciate that traditional daycares mirror broader society, providing an environment where children with disabilities can learn to navigate a world that may not always be tailored to their needs. Other parents may prefer the focused support of specialized daycares. Both choices offer valuable experiences, and the right decision depends on what best suits your child's needs and your family's preferences.

If you're looking for specialized childcare, Easterseals—a national organization dedicated to providing services and support for people with disabilities—has a childcare directory as well as inclusive childcare resources for parents looking for childcare for their disabled child.

Researching Specialized Childcare Centers

A few questions a parent may want to ask when finding a daycare for their special needs child include:

1. Is this childcare center licensed or are they legally license-exempt?
2. What are the hours of operation for the childcare center?
3. What is the cost of care?
4. What is the staff-to-child ratio?
5. How is the daily schedule structured?
6. Are there sensory-friendly or quiet spaces available?
7. How are medical needs managed, such as medication administration or emergency procedures?
8. Can my child receive one-on-one support from an aide?
9. How are activities adapted to include children with disabilities?
10. Are any staff specially trained in sign language, special education, or behavior management?

With the answers to your questions, you can start narrowing down your childcare options. When you've found a childcare center you're interested in, arrange a tour to look at the physical space. Seeing the facility in person can help you decide if it can adequately meet your child's needs.

Short-Term Childcare for Children with Disabilities

Childcare needs can vary depending on your situation. Some parents work through the summer while their kids are off school, and others might just want a night out and need a babysitter. Whether you're looking for a summer camp to keep your child engaged or a babysitter for a few hours, there are options to fit the short-term childcare needs of parents with disabled children.

Finding a babysitter for a child with a disability can be a challenge, but there are a few things you can do to find childcare:

1. Consult Your Child’s Therapist: Ask your child's physical, occupational, or speech therapist for recommendations. They might not have specific names but can generally guide you in the right direction.
2. Reach Out to Family and Friends: For children with complex medical needs, such as feeding tubes or oxygen tanks, family and friends can be an option with some training on the use of medical devices. This option can also be feasible for those with less complex disabilities.
3. Engage with Faith-Based Communities: If you belong to a church or religious group, ask your congregation or post on a community board. Even if the church doesn’t offer specialized childcare, someone in the congregation might have experience working with disabled children.
4. Check Local YMCAs and Recreational Centers: While not always specialized, YMCAs and recreational centers often provide community services, including childcare, which might suit your needs.
5. Find a Camp for Disabled Children: Many children attend camps during summer breaks, especially when caregivers are working. Local disability organizations, as well as some colleges and universities, offer camps specifically for children with disabilities.

Day Programs for Adults with Disabilities

Finding care for children with special needs can be challenging, and as they grow, some may require ongoing support. Day programs for adults with disabilities provide necessary support, while also fostering independence.

Day programs can allow adults with disabilities to learn essential skills like cooking, cleaning, handling transportation, and managing finances. For those who don't need assistance with daily tasks, day programs offer a structured routine and valuable social opportunities to connect with other disabled people. Additionally, day programs provide access to specialized resources and services which an adult with a disability may not have easy access to in a traditional home, along with respite care for families and caregivers.

Whether your child is just starting daycare, is school-aged, or a teen, there are many considerations to make when finding childcare for a child with disabilities. Read the related articles below to learn more about the supports and adaptations available to children with disabilities across various environments.