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How Is Special Needs Daycare Different?

As a parent, you always want the best for your child. When your child has unique needs, it can be hard to find the right support. That’s where special needs daycare comes in. In this blog post, we’ll talk about the differences between regular daycare and special needs daycare. We’ll also discuss why special needs daycare might be just what your family needs. So, let’s learn more about this special kind of care for your amazing child.

What Is Special Needs Daycare?

If you’ve been wondering about special needs daycare, you’ve come to the right place. Picture this: a daycare tailored exclusively for little ones who march to their own beat. We’re talking about a haven where neurodivergent children or those with unique thinking and learning patterns feel safe, cherished, and free to learn at their pace.

These special needs daycares are no ordinary places, folks. They’re growth incubators, allowing your children to learn, make friends, and evolve in areas they might find challenging in a regular daycare setting. It’s like giving your child their VIP ticket to their development journey. And at Goally, we totally get how important that is for parents. It’s all about creating the right environment for your child’s growth, right?

special needs daycare. A boy holds a parent's hand and goes to a special needs daycare.

How is Special Needs Daycare Different from Regular Daycare?

  1. Staff Knowledge: One big difference between regular daycare and special needs daycare is the staff. The people who work at special needs daycare know a lot about helping kids with different needs. They understand how to help these kids learn and grow.
  2. Extra Attention: Kids with thinking and learning differences often need more help. Special needs daycares are set up to give kids the extra attention they need. They have fewer kids for each staff member and make special plans for each child’s care.
  3. Helpful Services: Many special needs daycares have extra services, like therapy for talking, moving, or doing everyday tasks. This helps your child get all the help they need in one place.
  4. Clear Routines: Kids with thinking and learning differences do well with clear routines. Special needs daycares have set schedules that help kids feel safe and supported all day long.
  5. Calming Spaces: Special needs daycares are calming and soothing for kids. They have spaces that help kids feel comfortable and not overwhelmed.
Goally tablet showing Mood Tuner, the emotional regulation app for kids to help them manage big emotions.

Why Choose a Special Needs Daycare?

Now that we know the differences let’s talk about why special needs daycare is a great choice. Choosing this kind of daycare can help your child and your whole family.

  • Peace of Mind: Embrace the serenity that comes with knowing your child is in a secure, loving environment, specifically designed for them. Trust in a special needs daycare that truly understands and caters to your child’s unique needs.
  • Better Learning: Witness the transformative power of focused attention and therapy in a special needs daycare. It not only fuels your child’s learning and growth but also boosts their self-confidence and happiness.
  • Support from Others: Connect with a supportive community. Special needs daycares serve as vital hubs where parents meet and draw strength from others who truly get their journey. This network can prove invaluable when raising a child with different needs.
Read More: ADHD Support Groups
special needs daycare.  2 kids engaging in a colorful block building activity at the special needs daycare.

How To Find the Right Place

Here are some tricks to help you find the best place:

  1. Do Your Homework: Start by looking up special needs daycares near you. Find ones with good reviews and a focus on your child’s needs.
  2. Take a Tour: Visit each daycare you’re thinking about. Look at the space, how the staff acts, and how it feels overall. This can help you decide if it’s right for your child.
  3. Ask Questions: Don’t be afraid to ask about the daycare’s rules and how they help kids with different needs. This will help you make the best choice for your child.
  4. Trust Your Gut: In the end, trust your feelings when picking a special needs daycare. You know your child best, and your instincts will guide you to the right choice.

Goally | Apps To Support Child Development

Looking for fun ways to help your child learn life skills? Try Goally! Our suite of apps helps kids develop the skills they need to become independent with FUN & evidence-based practices. You can use our visual schedule app to structure your child’s routines or teach them new skills!

A hand holding Goally's dedicated skill building tablet. The tablet is displaying the home screen with all of Goally's apps on it, including routines, AAC, the weather, Rewards, etc.

Our apps teach executive function, language, emotional regulation, finger dexterity skills, and more! As your child develops new skills, you can increase the difficulty level of the tasks in the app to challenge and motivate them even further. This helps your child grow and progress at their own pace, while also keeping them engaged and excited about their development.

Try Goally’s suite of therapy apps on any device, & customize them starting at just $15 a month.

Conclusion: The Benefits of Special Needs Daycare

Choosing a special needs daycare can make a big difference for your child and your family. By understanding the differences between regular and special needs daycare, you can make the best choice for your child. So, think about special needs daycare and see how it can help your child grow and succeed.

FAQs About Special Needs Daycare

What is a special needs daycare?
A special needs daycare is designed to cater to children with different needs, such as neurodivergent children or those with unique thinking and learning patterns.
How do special needs daycare benefit my child?
Special needs daycare provides tailored attention, therapy, and a nurturing environment that fuels your child's learning and growth, enhancing their self-confidence and happiness.
How can special needs daycare give parents peace of mind?
Parents gain peace of mind knowing their child is in a secure, loving space that understands and caters to their unique needs.
Can special needs daycare support my family as well?
Absolutely. Special needs daycares offer a supportive community, connecting parents with others who truly understand their journey.
Can learning tools like visual schedules, emotional regulation apps, and rewards be used in special needs daycare?
Yes, special needs daycares often use these tools to enhance the learning process and make it more engaging for your child.

This post was originally published on 05/03/2023. It was updated on 06/09/2023.

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We help parents teach their kids life skills, like doing bedtime and morning independently. Backed by science, we incorporate evidence-based practices and expert-informed designs in all of our apps and content.