dismissing special needs child from Daycare

[knittinglady]

I have a special needs child who is 11 and willbe getting her period soon. I have a very small house so I have to change her diaper on a pad in the living room. I don't want to have to deal with that time of the month along with diapers. I have had her for almost five years. I have had other issues with her she doesn't talk. and has c.p. I also have to pick her up now and then because she doesn't walk real well. she is getting very heavy. I also have a 5 year old that I have to lift out of a wheelchair into his seat on the bus and the reverse when he get back home. not easy on the back. I have been in Daycare 20 plus years. I have do this a few more years yet but the body is giving me signs. I don't know how to tell the mother that she is not going to be able to be in daycare anymore when she gets her period. Most girls don't need Daycare by then anymore anyways. But now I have to be careful how I say it with the disibilities act. When I got into daycare i never thought I would take on special needs children now i have 2 with c.p. I also try to put myself in the parents place and see how hard it would be to find daycare with a special needs child. I'm not a heartless person I feel it just isn't approiate in daycare. Please help

[RockRose]

I totally  see what Margy is saying and that makes perfect logical sense,  but in fact you could run afoul of the ADA if you refuse care to her because of her period.

What you COULD do is set a weight limit to the kids you care for,  due to you own abilities to pick them up and for safety sake so they don't fall,  and weigh her,  and declare her overweight for what you can safely manage.  

Of course,  you will have to hold to that weight line.   Do you have heavier children who you care for?

As many positive changes the ADA has made for americans with disabilities,  they have shut down services in other areas because not all people who serve can serve every single person.    I had a nasty experience with the ADA as a volunteer working with pregnant moms at risk,  and it has left such a bitter taste in my mouth that I feel the need to warn you.  It's like,  if you serve people with this condition,  you have to serve EVERYONE with this condition even if it will bankrupt your business.

Best wishes.   I can feel the empathy you feel for her and her family.  

[margypops]

  I think you are wonderful to look after these children I know it cant be easy ,I would say telling the truth will work best, saying it as it is, the way you have done here, cant see that would offend anyone or any 'act.tell the mom it simply ,just the facts and give her some time to find other help . Good Luck