Child care providers are in a unique position to notice if a child is not developing through typical stages or milestones. If there is a possibility that a child has a developmental delay, child care providers have the responsibility to discuss their concerns with the child’s family right away.
Children develop very quickly. If a child has a special need that affects her development, it is best not to take a “wait and see” approach. Getting professional help early for …
Working with children who have learning disabilities can be a challenge for child care providers. Children with learning disabilities generally go the same developmental stages as typically-developing children, but they may learn certain skills much more slowly. Creating a learning program that is sensitive to the learning needs of all children is the best way to ensure that children with learning disabilities have opportunities to learn.
The first step in helping children with learning disabilities is to know the children …
The child care setting can be a confusing place for children with visual disabilities. Children who cannot see well are sometimes delayed in developing physical and motor skills. They may have trouble locating or picking up small objects that have been dropped. They may spill things or bump into things. Child care providers can help children with visual disabilities succeed in the child care setting. Children who cannot see well often learn through other senses, such as hearing and touching. …
As a child care provider, you might notice that a child seems to have trouble hearing. The problem may be temporary, or it may continue over time. If you suspect that a child in your child care program is having hearing problems, observe the child over several days. Watch for some of the following signs that may point to difficulties in hearing. Sometimes you may see only a few signs; in other cases, you may see many.
Child care providers sometimes receive requests to care for children with a special physical, emotional, or learning need. Before you set policies or make decisions about caring for children with special needs in your child care program, know that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides guidelines you are required to follow when you work with children with special needs. Here are some important points to remember about disability laws as they relate to child care programs.
Working with children who have physical disabilities requires thoughtful planning for child care providers. Children with physical disabilities need different types and amounts of assistance and support in order to participate fully in their child care program. Child care providers who are including a child with a physical disability need to get input from the parents, professionals working with the child, and the child himself or herself. That input can help the child care provider make specific plans to accommodate …
