Premature babies.

[kindertime]

I worked as a nanny for a family with a child who was premature. There were a lot of issues, but not with her breathing. So personally, I don't believe a home daycare is the right setting. If this child needs constant monitoring, special equipment, medication, are you prepared to deal with all that? And as well as the other kids too? If he has a tube for oxygen, can you guarantee that none of the other children will touch it or tamper with it, even accidentally? Do you have a really great back-up support system set up for a possible emergency ambulance call.

My suggestion is that if you decide to move ahead with this child, be very clear and prepared with every aspect of this child's medical issues. Talk to the parents about every single aspect of the day and every possible scenario so you can be comfortable and the child can be safe. Good luck!

[Lee-Bee]

The chronic lung condition would be my concern. As a home care provider you are one person caring for many needy, dependent children. When one child has medical issues that require extra time and concern then it can take away from the others and can add stress. I would think that the chronic lung condition might put the child at greater risk for catching (and further complicating) common colds etc.

It kind of sucks for the family because while as a caregiver the child is not a great fit...a centre based daycare is likely a riskier environment for such a child (more kids more germs etc).

If this child goes into medical distress how will you handle it, and the other children in care?