I worked with a toddler who was blind in a daycare centre.

We used the flooring to tell him where he was in the room. So a different textured carpet for different areas. HE was kept barefoot to be able to feel the flooring.

Always talk as you approach and leave his area. It is scary for a person to just suddenly be beside you or gone. Always verbalize "i am going now" "i am coming".

We used a tactile schedule. We had old coffee containers (the large canisters) within each one we had an object to signify the next activity (spoon for a meal, hat for outside, book for storytime etc). We would bring him to the table with the canisters have have him reach in the containers to feel what is taking place. He would feel what we are finishing, what is next, what will happen later in the day. It gave more feedback than just telling the young child.

Be prepared for certain behaviors. Blind children can often head bang. It is a stimulus for them...it helps block out the over sensitive sounds etc. The little guy we had ended up needing a helmet.

How old is the child? Does he have outside supports? Usually a child with blindness requires various supports to help the child and the family. This would depend on the age of the child, whether the blindness is new and how well everyone has adapted to it.

My main note would be, before taking on a child that is blind is to realize that a child who is blind may not just be lacking vision. They may need more than just compensation for not seeing. Make sure you are ready to support the child in every way needed.

Personally having worked with the little guy in a centre I wouldn't take on a blind child in my home. I would not be able to meet their needs fully while still fully caring for the other children. I would worry that the child may end up getting lost within the program.

That said, it can totally be done and the children who are blind can be a delight to work with and can become a core part of the group...but it isn't a decision to be made lightly.