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child care for special needs kids

Having a special needs child comes with an extreme level of responsibility, and oftentimes, more expenses. So, what do you do when you have to go to work and need someone to care for your child? I struggled with this for about two years before I couldn't financially stay home with my son any longer. I spent a lot of time looking for information about finding the right child care center for my son and what I could do to prepare him for the transition from home to the center. On this blog you will find tips that can help the process go much smoother for you and your child.

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3 Questions To Ask When Searching For The Perfect Day Care Center

by Sid Van Minnen

If you have a toddler or young child and are looking to enroll them in day care for the first time, you may be wondering what exactly you should look for. Beyond offering a fun, safe environment for kids to learn and socialize, there are many important features of any successful day care center. Take a look below for just three of the most useful questions you can ask that will give you a better sense of whether a day care center will be a good fit for you and your child. 

What is a typical day like?

This may seem like a general question, but the details included in the answer will go a long way toward illustrating not only how the day is structured, but also what aspects of childcare are emphasized. There are few things more important to a young child than routine, and finding one that your child will be comfortable with is of the utmost importance. To follow up, you can ask about other aspects such as regular meal times and times when the routine is broken up by short field trips or other annual events.

What is your discipline policy?

There is no shortage of theories and approaches when it comes to disciplining children. When faced with a behavioral issue, some day cares will take a stricter stance right away, while others will seek to implement positive redirection and verbal warnings first. Additional infractions may result in write-ups, parent conferences, and even suspensions. More than anything make sure that the day care center's discipline policy is clearly laid out in writing so that your expectations are aligned exactly with the center's processes. Of course, if you feel that a childcare program has a policy that differs too drastically from your own policies at home, there will be a program that offers a better fit.

What happens when plans suddenly change?

There will undoubtedly be days when your own plans change, and therefore when you need to notify the day care center of these plans with very short notice. That's why one of the most important questions you can ask is about the policy regarding such situations. For example, a good policy should include clear, step-by-step accommodations for late pickups, sick days, and impromptu vacations. A day care center that is reasonably flexible and has a clear policy for common everyday emergencies is one that you're likely to have no problems with. 

For more information, contact a childcare center, such as Kids Kampus Child Care and Early Learning Center.

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