Starting daycare is an exciting and monumental step for any child. However, it can also be a daunting transition to navigate as parents. Will your special needs child soon be attending a Pediatric Day Health Care (PDHC) or Pediatric Program of Extended Care (PPEC) daycare center near you? You likely have additional questions related to the type of attention they may receive. To help make this process go smoothly, here are a few tips you should consider doing ahead of time. These can best prepare both yourself and your child before their first day at a daycare like PediaTrust!
First, What Are PDHC and PPEC Daycare Centers?
PPEC and PDHC daycares offer more than just activities and educational opportunities. These specialized centers can provide special needs children with essential medical care. PDHC centers operate in Louisiana, while PPEC daycares are available in Mississippi. These centers offer a safe environment for special needs children who need extra care each day.
In addition to special education, these centers can offer:
- Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy
- Medical Management
- Feeding Assistance
- And Other Care as Needed
These centers are a great option for children with special needs. They can receive a high level of medical and therapeutic support in a setting specifically designed for their needs. These centers are staffed by healthcare professionals with expertise in caring for children with complex medical conditions. Enrolling your child at a PDHC or PPEC daycare near you allows them to interact with other children with similar conditions and experiences.
At PediaTrust, we are proud to offer comprehensive care, education, and support. Our PDHC and PPEC centers help children with special needs to reach their full potential and lead fulfilling lives.
Enrolling Your Child at a “PDHC or PPEC Daycare Near Me?”
Here are six ways to prepare for the transition.
1. Discuss Accommodations With the Daycare Beforehand
At PediaTrust daycare, we establish individualized care plans for the specific needs of each special needs child. Talk with your daycare provider to establish necessary accommodations for your child. Does your child require mobility or mealtime assistance? Make sure to talk with the staff about daycare accessibility, such as ramps for wheelchairs.
If your child has food texture aversions, please prepare your child’s meals and snacks the night before. We will prepare their meals following your child’s provider’s instructions.
2. Prepare for Health and Medical Needs
Ensure your child’s medical records, prescriptions, and care instructions are up-to-date and provided to the daycare center. Speak with the medical staff to go over any specific health concerns, emergency protocols, or medication schedules. If your child has a care plan from their physician, share it with the daycare team to ensure seamless care.
3. Get To Know the Daycare Staff
When searching for a PDHC or PPEC daycare near you, take the time to get to know the staff. This is beneficial for both you and your child! We want families to feel comfortable speaking with our staff. This helps us develop an open line of communication to discuss any concerns or updates about your child’s progress and well-being. And this also allows us to build trust with the children under our care.
Each PediaTrust location is staffed with skilled nurses and special educators. We are equipped to provide occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech therapy. After your child’s initial enrollment evaluation, we can also offer re-evaluations as needed. We tailor all therapies and sessions to your child’s needs, as gathered through these assessments.
4. Pack Any Items Your Child May Need
Depending on your child’s needs, they may require medical equipment, mobility aids, or personal care items. Get these items ready the night before heading to daycare. You can pack small items in a backpack or bag to bring to our daycare team each morning. These items may include feeding tubes, hygiene supplies, or a change of clothes.
And if your child requires mealtime assistance, please remember to pack any special utensils or tools they need. A PDHC or PPEC daycare near you can also manage larger items like nebulizers and oxygen tanks. Just make sure to bring these with you when dropping your child off. Or, send them with your scheduled transportation services.
5. Discuss Transportation Needs Ahead of Time
Getting to and from our daycare with a busy schedule can be a difficult task. That’s why we help accommodate your needs with daycare transportation! Our transportation is equipped with wheelchair lifts, secure seating, and other necessary equipment. And, one of our trained direct care staff will be present to help handle any medical needs along the way. We ensure that your child feels safe and comfortable on the way to our daycare and when they head back home.
6. Help Your Child Adjust Emotionally
Starting daycare can be a big emotional shift for a child, especially one with special medical needs. Help ease their transition by talking to them about what to expect. Use positive language, read books about starting daycare, or show them pictures of the center and staff in advance. If possible, consider a short visit before their first full day to familiarize them with the environment.
FAQ Section: How to Prepare Your Child for a PPEC Daycare
1. What should I pack for my child each day?
Pack essential items like medical equipment, extra clothes, personal hygiene items, and any specialized feeding tools. If your child requires medications, provide them along with clear instructions for administration.
2. Can I visit the daycare before my child starts?
Yes! When you are searching for a “PPEC daycare near me,” it can be overwhelming trying to decide which option is the right fit for your needs virtually. Most PPEC centers, including PediaTrust, encourage parents to visit, tour the facility, and meet the staff before their child’s first day. This helps ensure both you and your child feel comfortable.
3. How will my child’s medical needs be handled at daycare?
PPEC and PDHC centers have trained medical staff, including nurses and therapists, who provide specialized care tailored to each child’s needs. They follow individualized care plans created in coordination with parents and healthcare providers.
4. What if my child has dietary restrictions or feeding challenges?
Discuss your child’s dietary needs with the daycare staff in advance. Many centers allow parents to provide pre-prepared meals and snacks. Staff can also accommodate tube feedings and texture modifications based on physician instructions.
5. How does transportation work for PPEC daycare?
Many centers offer transportation services equipped with medical accommodations like wheelchair lifts and secure seating. A trained direct care staff member will be present to ensure your child’s safety during transport.
6. What happens if my child gets sick while at daycare?
If your child exhibits signs of illness, the daycare staff will notify you immediately. Depending on the severity, they may provide medical care on-site or advise you to pick up your child for further treatment.
7. How can I help my child transition smoothly?
Talk to your child about daycare in a positive way, establish a morning routine, and visit the center beforehand. Maintaining open communication with the staff can also help ease any concerns during the transition.
8. How do I communicate with the daycare about my child’s progress?
Most PPEC daycares, including PediaTrust, provide regular updates on your child’s development, health status, and daily activities. Parents can also schedule meetings with staff to discuss concerns or adjustments to their child’s care plan.
Enroll Today at a PDHC or PPEC Daycare Near You
At PediaTrust, we all share the goal of providing medically fragile children with a safe and healthy environment. Parents can assist in the transition process by properly researching and asking all relevant questions. These may concern your child’s needs, facility accommodations, and staff capabilities. With the proper preparation, you can guarantee that their transition into daycare will be successful.
Are you searching for “a PDHC or PPEC daycare near me?” If so, call PediaTrust today! With locations in Louisiana and Mississippi, we help families find the care they need. Let us help you find what works best for both you and your medically fragile child. Call your closest clinic location today for more information.
