Choosing a day care provider can be difficult for any parent. But Lakeisha Parker of Bryant, Arkansas, had more considerations than most because her son, Treston, has hemophilia.
“My first concern was, would they have nurses? And if he has a bleed, how would they respond?” Parker says. “A lot of people don’t know what hemophilia is.”
When Treston was 1, Parker did her research to find the right day care. You can take a similar approach to calm your fears and make the best decision for your situation.
The Importance of Education
Day care staff need to understand your child’s bleeding disorder, says Kara Burge, LCSW, a social worker at the Arkansas Center for Bleeding Disorders at Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock.
“Families might need to educate their day care providers on what happens if their child gets hit in the head with a toy,” she says. “Does the provider know when that could be life-threatening?”
Start by asking providers whether they have ever had a child with a bleeding disorder under their care. Burge also recommends giving your chosen day care a fact sheet about your child’s bleeding disorder, helping staff understand the condition, when to worry, when to administer treatment, and when to call you.
The National Bleeding Disorders Foundation (NBDF) has resources on its Steps for Living website, and your medical provider or hemophilia treatment center may be able to assist with materials to share.
Communication Is Key
Parents commonly worry about how they’ll know whether an accident happens during the day if their children can’t speak for themselves, Burge says. That’s why communication is essential. Parker, for example, was clear that she wanted to be informed about any bites or bumps.
“I’m always reaching out to the administrator and Treston’s teacher: How is he? Keep me informed of everything,” she says. “I haven’t had any problems.”
As a result, Parker has been able to focus on her job and completing her doctorate. And Treston, now 2, is thriving.
“When I first got him in day care, I was stressed out constantly,” she says. “As time has progressed, I don’t worry. It’s been beneficial for him and for me.”
What to Look for in a Day Care
NBDF recommends focusing on these factors as you research your options for day care:
Well-trained staff.
Ask about the qualifications and training of the center’s employees.
Group size.
With a smaller child-to-teacher ratio and overall program size, teachers can watch more closely for accidents and injuries.
Low staff turnover.
This can signal that the program values good teachers and staff and works to keep them.
Safe and healthy environment.
Make sure the program is licensed and clean, and that children are supervised at all times.
Enriching activities.
Understand how much movement is involved, and make sure you’re comfortable with your child participating in those activities.
Learn more about selecting a day care provider and how to make the best decision for your family.