Offer more training for day care workers

I’m writing in regards to the article “No room for suburban special needs kids?” Having worked in one of the chain day care centers mentioned in this article, I can understand why kids like Greer can become overstimulated and try to run out of the classroom. These centers are often overcrowded and out of ratio, with overstressed teachers trying to balance too many responsibilities. Greer could have a different teacher every day of the week, with different rules and expectations, and even be moved into different classrooms herself if her own classroom is too crowded.

Instead of expecting parents to hire their own aides, why not hire, or train, a few staff members to become experts on helping children with different behavioral needs? Staff members could consult with teachers on how to make predictable schedules and rules and rotate through classrooms to help children during chaotic times of the day. Kids might also run out of the room less often if they knew they could ask permission to take a break in a designated quiet area of the center.

Center directors may feel that it would not be worth the money to train staff members and put supports into action, but is it really fair to tell parents that their 6-year-old is just not worth that effort? Besides, with more children being identified with ADHD and autism spectrum disorders every year, a center could provide a great service to the community, and stand out from other centers, welcoming children who need extra support and attention. This would be more cost-effective, in the long run, than expecting families to hire their own aides at $25 per hour!

Nicki Mann

Palatine