Looking after children with developmental delays (e.g. Down’s Syndrome) can be very rewarding.

I’ve just found an article about how to deal with such children which you may find interesting.

Here’s and excerpt:

“Years ago, parents were told to institutionalize children with Down’s Syndrome as infants. Now we know that children with Down’s Syndrome and other developmental delays can have rewarding and full lives with family and friends in their community.

One 19-year-old girl, when asked how she felt about having Down’s Syndrome, replied, “Great, I feel good about myself.” When asked what she thinks people should know about her condition, she said, “The first thing is that I am a human being who has the same feelings as everyone else, but the most important thing is that I like to be treated like every other member of the community.”

Let’s look at one situation you could encounter when a child with a developmental delay comes into your program. Remember that children with developmental delays and Down’s Syndrome have more similarities to other children in your care than differences.”

You can read the whole thing here: Developmental Delays

Talk soon,
Mary Nightingale

P.S. Thousands of future or current home daycare providers just like you have already signed up to my ‘how to start a home daycare’ newsletter. It’s getting a bit overwhelming and I may cap signups soon, but for the time being you can still join. Don’t worry, it’s free. All you have to do is enter your name and e-mail below:

I’ve just found a very informative webpage about children’s mental health which is useful for anyone running a home daycare.

Here’s an excerpt:

“The Caring for Every Child’s Mental Health communications campaign is a national public information and education campaign to:

Increase public awareness about the importance of protecting and nurturing the mental health of young people.

Foster recognition that many children have mental health problems that are real, painful, and sometimes severe.

Encourage caregivers to seek early, appropriate treatment and services.

The campaign helps families, educators, health care providers, and young people recognize mental health problems and to seek or recommend appropriate services. It also strives to reduce the stigma associated with mental health problems.”

You can read the whole thing here: Caring for Every Child’s Mental Health Campaign

Talk soon,
Mary Nightingale

P.S. Thousands of future or current home daycare providers just like you have already signed up to my ‘how to start a home daycare’ newsletter. It’s getting a bit overwhelming and I may cap signups soon, but for the time being you can still join. Don’t worry, it’s free. All you have to do is enter your name and e-mail below:

I just found a forum thread about updating your illness policy and making sure the parents of the children you’re looking after know what it is.

Here’s the original post:

“Time to start thinking about your illness policies and making sure the parents are up to date and understand their responsibilities.”

You can read the whole thing here: Its that time of year

Talk soon,
Mary

P.S. Thousands of future or current home daycare providers just like you have already signed up to my ‘how to start a home daycare’ newsletter. It’s getting a bit overwhelming and I may cap signups soon, but for the time being you can still join. Don’t worry, it’s free. All you have to do is enter your name and e-mail below:

I’ve just been reading a forum thread about what to do when daycare children get sick. I thought you might find it useful.

Here’s an excerpt:

“What is everyone else’s sick policy at daycare? My neighbor’s daughter also goes there p/t and she has the same concerns. Im realistic in that “stuff goes around”, but there has to be a line somewhere right?

Cam usually only goes 1-2 days a week at most (some none), but my dad has been on vacation the last 2 weeks so she’s been there alot more the last 2 weeks. ”

You can read the whole thing here: Sick Rules?

Talk soon,
Mary

P.S. Thousands of future or current home daycare providers just like you have already signed up to my ‘how to start a home daycare’ newsletter. It’s getting a bit overwhelming and I may cap signups soon, but for the time being you can still join. Don’t worry, it’s free. All you have to do is enter your name and e-mail below:

I know a lot of daycare providers who are concerned about what to do when a child they’re caring for is sick.

Your state regulations are a good guide, but there’s always some gray area.

I’ve just found a web page with some useful advice on the subject.

Here’s an excerpt:

“While most parents would not a take a very ill child today care, thy may try to leave a child who is recovering from a mild illness or injury. State regulations usually specify under what conditions children must be excluded from daycare. It is important that parents clearly understand these regulations as well as your policy on sick children.

However, you may be faced with a situation that is not clearly specified in the regulations or your policy. When deciding what to do, it is important to consider three things. ”

You can read the rest here: Why Exclude Sick Children In Daycare?

Talk soon,
Mary