Re: Daycare -- while in casts/braces-, please read!

[Guest guest]

Hi -

I haven't been on-line in a while because of the holiday but I did want to

mention a few things to you. I was a Preschool Director in California. I don't

know the exact laws for N. Virginia but here are a few tips.

One- do not mention the casts or brace before being accepted. This will

prevent the centers from having time to come up with an accuse not to accept

you. When they do see your baby and ask how long he will be in the casts for -

don't mention the shoes. When he is out of the casts, then mention the shoes

were prescribed after the casts came off. That way they already will have a

relationship with you and will want to help you out.

Two- have a doctor's note on hand in the event the Director needs it.

Three- read/pick up any material that each school has on it's policies. Most

schools claim to allow children into their schools regardless of... and there

will be a list. Anything referring to children needing to be " ambulatory "

really only refers to children that can walk and your baby is too young to walk

so that does not apply.

Lastly-

The only reason I can think of that the centers will use to not accept you is

safety for the other children. Because your baby requires no special care as a

result of the casts or brace, they may state that the material the casts or the

metal on the brace may pose safety issues for other children. They may say that

as your baby gets older he will be spending time on the floor with other

children. You can always pad the bar and bottoms of the shoes for protection.

Good Luck.

Stacie

kelly_warde wrote:

Has anyone had their child in daycare while he/she was still in the

casts or brace? What was your experience?

I'm still pregnant, but already know that our little man, Declan, has

bilateral clubfeet. Unfortunately I have to go back to work and put

Declan in daycare 8 weeks after he is born. I imagine he will still

be in casts at that time.

We're on waiting lists for a few centers, but have yet to be

" accepted " anywhere. I also haven't mentioned Declan's clubfeet to

any of the prospective centers. Do you think I need to tell them

about the casts/brace BEFORE he is accepted? I'm a bit nervous that

they may consider this " special needs " or extra work and not accept

him into the program.

I'd appreciate any advice you may have. Also, we're in No. Virginia

(McLean/Tysons area) so if you have any suggestions for specific

daycare centers that have experience with clubfoot babies I'd be

interested in that as well.

Thanks!

W.