by The Voice Of My Child
(Toronto, Ontario, Canada)
Protecting Your Non-Verbal Child
Parents of Special Needs Children and/or Typically Developed Children are all very different. We come from various backgrounds, live in different places, even share different views…BUT we all have one thing in common.... The love for our children, and the desire to help them as much as we possibly can to make them happy, healthy and independent.
I feel it very important to network and connect with other parents to educate myself and others. It is very important to be the best advocate possible for your child. They don't have a voice, so YOU must be their voice.
I would like to educate other parents with Special Needs Children, and Typically Developed Children, what to look for when placing your child in someone's care. (Especially when they can't communicate or have limited communication skills)
I want to educate parents and caregivers what precautions one should take before allowing anyone to care for your child. Be it daycare, private therapy center etc.
Please note the following:
1. Any records of incidents/investigations of Daycares and/or Private facilities are kept at Children's Aid in your area. You can call and inquire about any particular facility.
2. Always ask to see qualifications of person(s) working with your child
3. Check references yourself. Don't be afraid to make inquiries with the police regarding records if need be.
4. Expect timely responses to concerns/questions.
5. Before committing yourself to any facility, ask to speak with other parents or view the facility while it is running. Even an unannounced visit to get a realistic view of how the CTR runs, the actual presence of senior staff/directors.
6. Be involved and don't take a kind smile as proof your child is well taken care of.
7. If you can view your child under someone else's care do it.
8. Look for sudden changes in behaviour with your child. YOU know your child best.
9. Read over contracts carefully and don't be afraid to question. Do not blindly sign anything without fully understanding.
10. Don't be impressed by a beautiful website.... they are not all up to date. A cosmetically beautiful facility, does not guarantee qualified workers.
That has been a constant worry of ours,and the biggest reason we use Respite in other ways to obtain breaks.
Over the years,we have had on-going issues with caregives within the school system,and mistakes that have been made.
As a mother of a special child with multiple problems and also non-verbal,it is very hard to give your trust easily.
My child,like many has the "trait" to please and not to upset anyone.It's very hard to get any "negative "information from her because she doesn't like conflict.
I am her voice,and will continue to do so,just like all of the other"hero-Mom's" out there.....
Feb 22, 2010 Rating
Private Facilities For Special Needs by: Anonymous
A note to add...
"Private Facilities" are NOT regulated, nor are they accountable to the Ministry of Children & Social/Youth Services. They are their own entity.
ANYONE can run a private ctr. They are subject to the same laws, rules and regulations as any other private business.
Some private centres receive funding from MCYS indirectly, through the so called regional providers. These providers, are agencies contracted by MCYS to deliver ie. IBI therapy in dif regions of the province or to provide funding for therapy to families to hire a private service provider. In these cases, a regional provider would ONLY MONITOR THE CLINICAL ASPECTS of the service provided.... not care.
Feb 20, 2010 Rating
child care by: Gail
Great advice! Can I post it on my facebook account?
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Response from Editor:
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