Talking to Parents About Special Needs
You might be asked to care for a child who needs special care because of physical, emotional, behavioral, or health reasons. We refer to those children as "children with special needs" or a children with disabilities. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) a disability is defined as a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits, to the degree that is age-appropriate, the child's ability to care for him or her self. The kind of disability a child might have can vary greatly- allergies, moderate retardation, diabetes, cerebral palsy, impulsive and aggressive behavior.
Because each child is unique, and has unique needs, no single approach to caring for children with disabilities can be applied to all children, even those with the same disability.
However there are a few basic principles to keep in mind:
- many children with special needs can be integrated into your present program without changes in your routine or physical environment
- some support services exist to help you care for children with special needs
- and, best of all, the experiences of working with these children can be rewarding for everyone involved, children, and adults, alike.
Find out what information parents of children with special needs want to share with other parents in the program, and how they would like to share it. Parents may have questions about how they can talk to their own children about their classmates with special needs, or have misconceptions that need to be clarified.
You may encounter a range of responses from parents of children with special needs, often related Find out what information parents of children with special needs want to share with other parents in the program, and how they would like to share it. Parents may have questions about how they can talk to their own children about their classmates with special needs, or have misconceptions that need to be clarified.
You may encounter a range of responses from parents of children with special needs, often related to where they are in the process of learning and accepting that their child has special needs. Some parents may want to speak to other families on their own, and can do so informally at pick-up and drop-off times, or they can set up a more formal time to meet with other parents. Some parents may want to visit their child's classroom to talk with the children about their child's special needs, and help answer other children's questions. Other parents may not feel comfortable with staff sharing any information about their child with other parents. Parents' wishes need to be respected when it comes to this issue. Initially, sharing information may be difficult, but as relationships develop among the caregivers, children, and families, it may become easier.
Just as staff members have fears and concerns about working with children with special needs, some parents may be worried that their children will be adversely affected by having a child with special needs as a classmate. It is important to provide them with accurate information that will ease their fears. Reassure them that you are committed to providing quality care for all of the children, and address their specific concerns to the best of your ability.
