How to Make Sure Your Child’s Needs are Met at Daycare
Leaving your child in the care of others can be nerve-racking, right? That is especially true for parents who have children with special needs. If your child has a peanut allergy, for example, you’re constantly chasing down every PB&J sandwich or peanut butter cookie they’re offered. It’s a lot of work! You put a lot of care into making sure your child is safe at home, but you can’t always control everything around them—especially when they’re out of your sight! Whatever your child’s needs may be, here are some tips to make sure they’re met at daycare.
Make Sure to Fill Out Enrollment Forms Thoroughly
Your child is the staff’s top priority, so keeping them in-the-know will help them help your child. Typically, you will be given paperwork to fill out before your child can attend daycare. This paperwork will give you the opportunity to share any health concerns your child may have.
On our Parent Resources pages, for example, we have a Child Admission Agreement Health Assessment where you can list out your child’s allergies and medical conditions. This form will help us know what to watch out for and how to properly care for your child. If your child is already enrolled and starts a new medication or has a new condition, make sure to review our medication policy and to talk with our staff.
Communicate with the Staff
Communication is key! Make sure the directors as well as the morning and afternoon teachers are well aware of any changes in medical or behavioral needs. A good daycare will take every possible precaution to make sure all teachers and staff are familiar with a child’s particular needs. However, if you see a new teacher or substitute in your child’s room, take a second to reconfirm and discuss your child’s specific needs. Doing so will help you feel more confident leaving your child in the care of another person.
Let your child’s teachers know what’s happening at home! Often, behavioral challenges can stem from changes in the home—anything from your child’s lack of sleep or eating to the extreme of a family tragedy or divorce. At My Childcare Academy, you can take comfort in knowing that we have a team that is well equipped to handle these tough situations.
Use a Real-Time Parent Communication Phone App
If open lines of communication and real-time updates are important to you, find a daycare facility that uses a third-party parent communication platform. At My Childcare Academy, we use Brightwheel as our means of real-time communication and updates with parents. You’ll see updates such as what and how much your child has eaten when medication was administered (if applicable), how long and when they napped, potty times, daily activity updates with pictures, and much more.
In addition to these uses, it’s a great platform for communication directly with your child’s teachers and the facility directors. Use it! Ask questions, bring up concerns, and take comfort in knowing that your child’s needs are being met.
Does Your Child Have Any Special Needs You’d Like to Talk to Us About?
We want you to feel confident knowing that your child is in a safe place and is being well taken care of. Whether your child is currently enrolled with us or you’re considering enrolling, please reach out to us with all of your questions and concerns. We’d love to talk with you about your child’s specific needs and how they can be met in the right daycare setting.