Summer Nanny - Where to start?
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Anonymous
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How should I go about finding a caregiver with experience with special-needs kids for the summer? It'd be afternoons-only because DS, who will be 5, is enrolled in camps for the mornings.
He's nonverbal and has an intellectual disability but is pretty functional. We don't need someone with a medical background so much as someone with the patience and skill to give him a more enriching environment than he'd get from a regular sitter. We are in Arlington. Thanks in advance. |
Anonymous
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Care.com -- be specific in asking for experience with SN.
Or one of the nanny services. |
Anonymous
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OP - Besides Care.Com there is also https://www.sittercity.com/ - both of which should have college students listing themselves as sitters about this time of the year. I also think American University has a sitter list you might use. Could you consider seeing if any of the para assistants would be interested in a summer job at your son's elementary school? If I were you, I would want at least two references that you could call to see how the person was, interview the applicant and then have her/him come be with DS once or twice as you will need to show and share more about your DS with a new sitter since he is nonverbal. I think it is important to share information on anything which might upset DS and what the signs of frustration or distress would be. I would go out at least once and return early to see how things are going to be as certain as possible that it is a good match. |
Anonymous
| We were in a similar situation last summer. My son was 4 and speech delayed (he did speak just not well). He has other issues. We found a wonderful care giver on care.com. I had also called local Universities and asked to post around there in the nursing schools and education departments - in the end care.com worked for us. Also, be honest about your son, by also don't scare people away. My son sounds so much worse then when you see him in person. |
Anonymous
| I'm not the OP, but am considering going back to work but need to find a caregiver for my 3yo with SN. It would have to be someone I really trust as he couldn't tell me what is going on. 2 additional questions: what is the average hourly pay for a sitter for a SN child as I have to figure out whether it is even financially worth it. Also, do you use cameras in your house - that you can check in on with an iPhone? |
Anonymous
wanted to respond to the camera bit. yes, we use dropcam, which you can access from your computer or iphone. we have it in every room that our nanny and son use. it's $$ but so worth it. |
Anonymous
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Definitely ask paras and even teachers that you like at your son's school.
The U of Maryland is another place -- Special Ed school and speech programs |
Anonymous
| Just post an ad like you normally would but include that you're looking with someone with experience with your child's needs. Don't sugarcoat any challenges. Better to take more time finding someone than to hire someone not well equipped. I'm a nanny with special needs experience, and I get jobs through word of mouth and Care.com. I do charge slightly higher than average rates because of my experience and the challenging nature of this type of job. Good luck! |
Anonymous
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If you are in Arlington, it might take a bit to find it on the web site, but there is something called Bernie's List at Marymount University where you can post you need for a sitter or caregiver and possibly find a student staying around for the summer. I know they have a School of Nursing there. If not now, it might be a good resource in the fall for an evening sitter at times. |