ADHD Child Care: Finding Quality Care for ADHD Kids
Just like finding ADHD natural treatments, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to quality child care for a youngster with ADHD.
While parents usually look for day care centers or caregivers that are properly certified, conveniently located, and affordable, parents whose children have ADHD must factor in additional considerations.
Here are the things you should look for when finding day care for your ADHD child.
The ratio of children to caregivers A study published in the journal Child Development confirmed that low child-to-caregiver ratios (few children, more caregivers) are more beneficial to children in daycare.
When there are about 3 children to 1 caregiver, the latter was able to provide more emotional support, better structure, and have an easier time catering to the needs of the children.
This is an especially important consideration for children with ADHD, who need an adult to provide structure or implement behavior management techniques when needed.
Group size Find out how many children are accepted by the establishment.
The same rule applies - the fewer children there are, the better.
Picture a group of 25 five-year olds with five adults, and a group of 10 five-year olds with two adults.
Although both have the same child-to-caregiver ratio, the latter would definitely be calmer, safer, and feel more like a family.
Accreditation and qualifications of caregivers Generally speaking, you want a caregiver who has experience working with special needs children.
Find out if the caregivers attend classes, workshops, or engage in other activities designed to improve their skills.
In addition, find out of the day care facility has been accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and the National Association for Family Child Care.
This means that the child care center has met the state requirements as well as voluntary child care standards.
Daily routine A good day care center should not just be a warehouse where children are left alone to play.
The best environment for someone with ADHD is a day care with highly-structured activities and set routines.
This doesn't mean that every moment of the day has to be planned, but the staff members should direct some of the activities and make sure that your child's developmental needs are addressed.
Establish a relationship with the caregiver A good caregiver should be your partner in raising your child.
Even though you may have a busy schedule, there are ways for you to get involved and work together with the caregiver.
Every time you drop off or pick your child up, spend a couple of minutes catching up with the staff.
Ask how your child is doing and how things are going at the center.
Keep the caregiver updated with your child's ADHD recovery, and ask for help in implementing treatments like ADHD diets.
While parents usually look for day care centers or caregivers that are properly certified, conveniently located, and affordable, parents whose children have ADHD must factor in additional considerations.
Here are the things you should look for when finding day care for your ADHD child.
The ratio of children to caregivers A study published in the journal Child Development confirmed that low child-to-caregiver ratios (few children, more caregivers) are more beneficial to children in daycare.
When there are about 3 children to 1 caregiver, the latter was able to provide more emotional support, better structure, and have an easier time catering to the needs of the children.
This is an especially important consideration for children with ADHD, who need an adult to provide structure or implement behavior management techniques when needed.
Group size Find out how many children are accepted by the establishment.
The same rule applies - the fewer children there are, the better.
Picture a group of 25 five-year olds with five adults, and a group of 10 five-year olds with two adults.
Although both have the same child-to-caregiver ratio, the latter would definitely be calmer, safer, and feel more like a family.
Accreditation and qualifications of caregivers Generally speaking, you want a caregiver who has experience working with special needs children.
Find out if the caregivers attend classes, workshops, or engage in other activities designed to improve their skills.
In addition, find out of the day care facility has been accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and the National Association for Family Child Care.
This means that the child care center has met the state requirements as well as voluntary child care standards.
Daily routine A good day care center should not just be a warehouse where children are left alone to play.
The best environment for someone with ADHD is a day care with highly-structured activities and set routines.
This doesn't mean that every moment of the day has to be planned, but the staff members should direct some of the activities and make sure that your child's developmental needs are addressed.
Establish a relationship with the caregiver A good caregiver should be your partner in raising your child.
Even though you may have a busy schedule, there are ways for you to get involved and work together with the caregiver.
Every time you drop off or pick your child up, spend a couple of minutes catching up with the staff.
Ask how your child is doing and how things are going at the center.
Keep the caregiver updated with your child's ADHD recovery, and ask for help in implementing treatments like ADHD diets.
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