Childcare

[Jizz21]

Hello, any advice on finding childcare for a child with ADHD. He recently got kicked out of daycare because of his hyperactivity.

[Mikesymommy]

How old is he? In our community we have a great (public) preschool program called project headway. Half the kids have ieps in place and half are "model" peers. Anything like that where you are?

[Jizz21 in reply to Mikesymommy]

He is 4 and we are currently getting him evaluated by child find to see if he qualifies for preschool special ed. I was just seeking a backup plan if he does not qualify for the program. He recently got diagnosed because he was terminated from a daycare for his extreme hyperactivity and behavior. I knew he had ADHD since last year but I didn’t want to accept it. This is all so new to me and I feel so alone at times. I’m glad I stumbled across this community.

[capriwms1 in reply to Jizz21]

My son has been kicked out a few places prior to being diagnosed and after. I’ve hired babysitters to watch him in home. It cuts down on the exposure to other children and gives your child one on one attention. There’s websites like care.com and UrbanSitter (I use the apps). I hope this helps.

[anirush]

Despite how much my grandson loves being around other kids he got kicked out of three different daycares. He's finally old enough that he doesn't need it anymore.

[MunchkinMommy537]

I’m in the same boat (or will be if my son’s behavior doesn’t improve). Unfortunately even with an IEP, privately run daycares are under no obligation to give any accommodations to kids with IEPs. If the PreK program is state funded then they have to adhere for the school day, but once 2:30 (or whenever regular school lets out) hits, they are not required to allow him to attend their aftercare program. A lot of private daycares simply don’t have the staff or space to deal one-on-one with behaviorally challenged kids. We love the aftercare program he’s currently in, and the director loves him. But when he starts hitting other kids or teachers, she has to do something to show parents and the staff that she’s doing something. Usually that means sending him home early, meaning I have to leave work early to get him. 9 times out of 10 he’s calmed down by the time I get there, but they can’t let him stay. Good luck.

[mlarios03]

Good morning! I actually have a few resources..

From a national level, Head Start, which is a federally funded preschool, throughout the USA. My daughter started at Early Head Start which is open to children 18 months to 3 years of age. Then transitioned to the regular Head Start program which is for children 3-5 years of age. Again, federally funded, means free of cost! And they provide breakfast, lunch, and snacks, as well as the diapers for children who are not toilet trained, that's right, they don't have to be toilet trained! Eligibility criteria: homeless, foster care, low income, or having a special need, as demonstrated by the IEP or by the IFSP. To clarify, the IFSP is similar to IEP but for children under the age of 3. My daughter's IFSP and IEP were based on language delay so thats how she qualified for Head Start. Since I was a working parent, she attended full time 7:30 till 5pm, but they also offer part time morning and afternoon. I love Head Start! Check your city for nearest center and apply!

The YMCA can also assit in finding affordable or subsidized daycare, but eligibility is strictly based on income.

From private level, you can search online (care.com) for qualified providers. I can't speak on personal experience because I haven't used them. To be honest I'm scared of one on one care and prefer the extra pair of eyes that other teachers and staff can provide.

Lastly, not full daycare but minor breaks and parent nights out. Certain gyms offer on site day care for 1.5-2 hours per day. I purchased a 2 year gym plan through Costco upfront so I only pay $18 per month for my daughter's daycare membership. I am definetly getting my money's worth, but best part she loves going to the gym and gets tired!

Certain locations such as indoor playgrounds and preschools open their doors for a few hours during evenings and weekends to offer parents a night off. My favorite, Next Generarion Center, in San Diego, one Saturday a month opens from 3-9pm for only $35.

Hope that helps, if its confusing feel free to ask for clarification.

Another random tip: amusement parks offer disability access pass for front of the line access for children with ADHD.