What to Look for in a Nanny for Your Child with Special Needs
Children with special needs require a lot of attention. Navigating through the maze of labels, definitions and treatments is frustrating and confusing for parents. Day-to-day care for the entire family can be emotionally and physically overwhelming. Finding a skilled, professional nanny equipped with the training, education and experience needed to handle a variety of disorders can provide tremendous relief and support. Their expertise enables them to better understand and productively interact with your child.
Specially trained nannies will focus on your child as a person, not a diagnosis. They turn challenges into accomplishments, and feel passionate about discovering a child's individual abilities.
If you're considering hiring a nanny to help you care for your child with special needs, here are some questions to ask:
- Do you have hands-on experience with children who have a disorder similar to my child's?
- Do you have experience or knowledge of ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy methods?
- What experience do you have with children with behavioral issues (such as hitting themselves or others, or verbal tantrums)?
- How much experience do you have with eating disorders?
- Are you comfortable preparing meals with special dietary requirements?
- Are you CPR and First Aid certified?
Other things to look for in a nanny:
- A demonstrated high level of patience, even temper and flexibility.
- Excellent work references.
- A recent criminal background check.
