| Day care providers are popping up everywhere. Most | | | | child care provider, talk to your child's therapist and |
| people can find a great day care provider close to | | | | request referrals. Your therapist may know a retired |
| their home, however if you have a special needs child | | | | therapist who would be more than happy to step out |
| chances are the choices for day care providers is | | | | of retirement to become a day care provider. Many |
| very slim. Many day care providers do not have | | | | times therapists who work with special needs children |
| adequately trained staff to care for children with | | | | burn out and are looking for a new career. Your |
| special needs. Usually day care centers are | | | | request for assistance in finding a day care provider |
| independently owned business and the owners and | | | | for your special needs child could actually put someone |
| operators do not have the resources or tools to | | | | on a new career path. |
| handle children with special needs. | | | | Finally, if you are still having problems finding a day |
| The first day care choice parents with special needs | | | | care provider for you special needs child, contact your |
| children usually make is leaving the child with a | | | | local colleges and advertise for a nanny. Many schools |
| grandparent. Grandparents usually have the skills and | | | | offer programs for education of special needs children |
| knowledge to take care of their special needs | | | | and you may find a great student who is interested in |
| grandchild on a daily basis. Since grandparents are | | | | working the hours you need and can bond with your |
| involved in the life of a special needs child on a | | | | child. Students may have great knowledge but limited |
| continual basis, having them care for the child during | | | | skills so you will have to monitor their work by |
| the day when the parents are not available can be a | | | | conducting surprise visits or having a friend check in on |
| stable calming influence for the child. However, | | | | them. Communicate with your student nanny on a |
| grandparents may not be the answer. Some | | | | consistent basis and you may end up with a great |
| grandparents live too far away from the child to take | | | | nanny at a price you never thought you could afford. |
| an active daily role in the special needs child's life. Or | | | | Finding a special needs day care provider for your |
| maybe the grandparents have health issues, which will | | | | child may be a challenge however with a little legwork |
| preclude them from becoming a day care provider for | | | | and persistence, you will find a great day care provider |
| their grandchild. | | | | that can meet all the requirements of your special |
| If you are having a problem finding a special needs | | | | needs child. |