Should Chicago Parents With a Disability Consider Daycare for Their Toddlers?

Having a child is difficult. Parenting a child when you have disabilities can be even more of a challenge, but it’s helpful to have a team of supporters who can help you along the way.

Family, friends, and even neighbors can be great resources when you need someone to help you take care of your little one, but what happens when they are unavailable, and you need extra help?

Daycare is a smart choice to help your toddler socialize and learn before they even reach school age. And with so many fantastic daycares in the Windy City, your options are seemingly endless!

If you’re nervous about making this big step, consider these reasons why daycare is a viable choice for Chicago parents who have disabilities.

Daycares Offer A Variety of Programs to Nurture Your Child’s Growth

When deciding whether or not a daycare is the right choice for your child, it’s important to consider the kinds of programs that exist. Every facility is unique and offers its own style of teaching, so you should think about what kind of program your child would benefit best from.

Many daycares only offer a mainstream setting that places all children in the same room during the day. This is a great way for your child to meet new friends and learn socialization skills that they may not obtain anywhere else.

However, there are some daycares that offer more specialized programs that would cater to any specific needs your child may have. Depending on how much care your child needs and if they require any specialized care, this might be a great option to ensure they have all the resources to succeed.

In addition to varying programs, daycares also offer basic curriculums for toddlers who are just learning to explore the world around them. You will want to find a daycare with a curriculum that you agree with and policies that support your child’s growth.

Any school that promotes emotional and physical well-being, as well as a positive sense of self-identity, is an excellent option for your toddler!

Daycares Are Staffed with Qualified Professionals

No matter who it is that’s caring for your little one, you will always worry about whether or not they’re giving enough attention. Daycares, however, are full of highly educated and well-trained staff that will be able to respond to your child’s needs in the best way possible.

Many daycares only hire teachers with four-year degrees and ensure they receive ongoing professional training to ensure they know the most updated skills and techniques.

Daycares are also regulated by strict city laws, requiring them to meet specific standards to be a part of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). You can check if this organization approves any school you are interested in to make sure it truly is one of the best daycares in Chicago.

Licensed daycares and highly trained teachers make all the difference in how your child learns and grows. Check that you can trust the school before making a final commitment.

Every Daycare Has a Different Child-to-Caregiver Ratio

The number of caregivers in the room with your toddler can make a big difference in the amount of attention they receive. Having too many children with only one adult in the room isn’t effective for their learning, so it’s important to inquire before deciding on any daycare.

Per this resource from LadyBug, the ideal ratio of teachers to younger toddlers is one for every three to four. This ensures that your child gets as much care and attention as they need, especially if they require any specific accommodations.

No matter how many caregivers are in the room, you should feel comfortable knowing that your child will be supervised at all times, including during play and mealtimes. Fewer children per teacher will ensure more one-on-one time during these significant moments, keeping your child safe.

Your child’s cognitive, social, and emotional development depends on how much care they receive throughout the day, and the number of caregivers in the room largely determines that.

Daycares Have Safety Procedures in Place

To feel the most comfortable dropping your child off for daycare, you will want to make sure the location you choose has plans in place for any emergencies. It is also vital to find out the cleaning policies and ensure illness doesn’t spread throughout the daycare.

Well-managed daycare facilities will require any necessary vaccinations for the children who attend to eliminate spreading any dangerous diseases. They will also have strict policies for food allergies, cleaning, and making sure any sick children go home to protect the others in the room.

While getting sick is normal, you should feel comfortable knowing that your daycare will do everything it can to keep your child as safe as possible.

You can also make requests before your child starting if they have any specific health needs. Their caregivers should be made fully aware to assist them in every way they can.

As long as you are transparent with your child’s caregivers, they will be able to follow any procedures to keep your child safe.

You Have SO Many Options

We get it: choosing a daycare can be tedious and might scare you away from doing it in the first place. But if you need help caring for your child and want to do what’s best for them, daycare might just be what you need.

There are so many daycares in Chicago that will take care of your toddler in a way that makes you feel comfortable. You can trust they will be safe in the hands of well-trained caregivers who know the best ways to foster growth and creativity.

Look into a few options before deciding to see which daycare will give your toddler the most positive experience. Children should be able to learn and express themselves in their way with the help of the right daycare.

As a parent with disabilities, it can be hard to give your child the care and attention they need daily. You should feel comfortable bringing your little one to a safe, secure daycare so you can take care of yourself and be the best parent you can be.

Jeff Campbell