Children with special needs have a unique way of seeing the world. They love freely and are filled with wonder. For the right nanny, caring for a special needs child is deeply rewarding. Working with special needs kids is an exciting career if you’re a nanny who wants to make a difference.
But what exactly is a special needs nanny, and how do you become one?
What does special needs actually mean? Special needs covers a broad spectrum of different abilities, from mild to severe. Children with special needs have conditions that impact them physically, emotionally, or behaviorally.
They might have physical differences, communication delays, or disorders. They could have a diagnosed condition like Cerebral Palsy, Autism, ADHD, or Down’s Syndrome. Anxiety disorders and ADHD also fall under special needs.
Caring for a child with special needs requires love, patience, and knowledge - just like any child. Parents need a special needs nanny who understands their child’s specific issues. This is especially important if the child has a complex condition.
To find jobs working with special needs near me, check out Nanny Lane.
Nannies offer unwavering love and guidance to children and invaluable support to parents. But nannies pursuing special needs jobs need:
A child with special needs requires specialized care. The type and kind of nanny training depends on the level of complication of the condition. If you don’t have experience, talk to the family about covering the costs of additional courses if they hire you.
To care for children with serious needs, you might need more training. Children with special needs are often more vulnerable than other kids. Parents need to know you’ll act fast if their child has a medical emergency.
To be successful in a special needs job, you need the following:
During the interview, ask lots of questions to learn more about the children and their abilities. Be sure to ask questions like:
If you get the nanny job, talk to the family about the child’s particular needs. It’s important to get on the same page to provide the best care possible.
No detail is too small.
Will you need to prepare special foods? Does the child have daily medication? If so, have the parents show you proper dosing. Do they have allergies or food sensitivities? Who should you contact in case of a medical or behavioral emergency?
You’ll also want several non-emergency contacts. Include specialists and the names of select family and friends. If the child goes to physical or behavioral therapy, you’ll need to share updates and progress with parents.
Special needs nanny jobs can be labor-intensive. They leave little room for extras like cleaning or cooking. Set expectations early with a nanny contract to avoid conflict down the line.
If the family doesn’t suggest a nanny trial, ask for one. It’s essential for special needs nanny jobs. You can also build a nanny contract. Consider nanny payroll too - get paid on-time with one less thing for you and the family to think about.