Special needs children

[Rhonda]

So much to think about PlayFelt!!!

Because my emotions have been running wild, I really do feel for this family. But yes, one of my questions will be if keeping a nanny and providing socialization through play groups would not be a better option for the family.

I do have lots of concerns with regards to how having a therapist come into my daycare will interfere. I don't have a secondary place to allow the therapist to work one on one with a child. In a pinch, I do have the learning room which is gated off.

If you were to accept a child into your care, would you increase your rates or keep them the same? From what I read in the email the child is at least 2-4 months behind in most areas of development (except maybe cognitively), which seems to me is a lot for a child under the age of 16 months. But, I do know that each child develops at their own rate and by the time the child is 2 one may never know the child was delayed as an infant.

[cfred]

When I have therapists come in, as you said, it really depends on what they're doing. The physiotherapist takes the girl into our rec room in the basement for her hour, while the daycare carries on as usual. Then she brings her to show me what they've been doing and what I can do to help, to discuss her progress and areas of concern. Her hearing specialist is wonderful! She does her thing with the whole group as there are lots of games associated to what they're doing. I get to see first hand how to help, with the therapist explaining things along the way and allowing me to participate. The other kids get to join in which is lots of fun for them as well as making the little girl feel like she's just part of the group rather than 'different'. As the children get older, I would think this may lend to their development of empathy and tolerance.

For me, it's worked. But as Playfelt said, you have to consider many different factors that could arise later should you decide to take this on. With my little gal, it's been a slow process of issues developing so I've been getting used to it over a long period of time. I didn't have to make any quick decisions....it just evolved.

Good luck with whatever route you choose

[kimmills]

Hi cfred, that's very brave of you and its also very encouraging that you have taken the initiative to give the care and guidance to a special needs child. Hats off to you and all others who for such children.