How soon to look for new day care needed in Fall?

Question

My son whom has behavioral special needs will need to go to a new day care in the Fall. The day care that he presently goes to is excellent, but he will be in Kindergarten in the Fall, so I need to find him a day care in our town. Presently he goes to one in the next town over, a different school district. I am so sad that he will have to change schools. She has been so good with him and accepted him and his challenges. She has advocated for him to get what he needs.

I am just wondering when to start looking for his new daycare. He will need before school care, as well as care on half days, no school days, and vacations because I work full time. He has a hard time adjusting to new situations so I was planning on having him start in his new day care in the beginning of August so he would not have two changes at once. Is this a good idea? Also if that is when I plan on sending him, when should I start looking?

Answer 1

If I were you, I would call around to the different daycares, and just findout some specifics about them, what kind of kids attend there, do any of the attendents have any background in behavioral health, and if they have ever had a child there like your son. Then when you decide on one you care for, visit it and meet with the people that will be supervising your son. On the basis of when to apply, probably around mid to late July, just to allow yourself time to decide if that is the right place, and to beat the rush. Also another idea, is to take your son along with you to see the place and get his imput on it, also if you really wanted to, consult your previous daycare and see what they have to say about the place you selected.

Answer 2

I would start looking NOW!!  Talk to the daycares in your area about your son and his needs.  See if they feel comfortable with handling them.  Many daycares don't have the training to deal with children with problems, but many also do!!  Just find one that you and the care providers both feel comfortable in the situation.  Start preparing your son emotionally for the change in July, by showing him the new daycare, taking him once or twice to visit for a few minutes, then carefully transition him into it (like 1/2 days for a week, then go to all day, before school starts)........