ADD in the Child Care Setting
The Difficulties of Managing ADD in Daycare and Tips for Parents
Dec 1, 2008
Children with ADD may be hyperactive, inattentive and impulsive. They may be overly active, talkative, and restless, and may have difficulty paying attention or forget things easily. It might be hard for them to remain seated during lessons or wait their turn to use a certain toy or playground equipment. Their behavior may warrant frequent time-outs or behavioral warnings.
The Daycare Setting
Daycare or after-school childcare usually provides the following for its children:
- Managed care for children who are either not yet school-aged or who necessitate a place to safely spend their time after school while parents are at work
- Both indoor and outdoor activities to stimulate children
- Smaller groups led by both a leader and an aide to carefully instruct children in age appropriate activities
- Monitoring of homework assignments needed to be completed by school-age children
- Handling of snack-time and mealtimes
- Adequate, stimulating entertainment for children including a playground, books, puzzles, art supplies, and worksheets
Why ADD Is More Difficult to Manage at Daycare
Children who are in daycare are usually there all day or end up there after a partial day at regular school. Even for children without ADD, this can be a long day that makes it difficult to cope behaviorally. For a child with ADD, it can be even worse.
The daycare setting may rotate aides or teachers, making it difficult for the ADD child to attach with and bond with a particular person. There are also no Individualized Education Plans in daycare, meaning that there is no defined, concrete method to deal with specific aspects of the child’s behavior.
By the end of a day in daycare, an ADD child may struggle with fatigue that can exacerbate their symptoms of impulsivity and unfocused behaviors. They may also resent being shuffled around and may act out accordingly.
It can be difficult for daycare providers to know how to set boundaries with the ADD child and to know exactly how to manage behavioral issues, especially when they are dealing with multiple children at one time.
Tips for Parents and Daycare Providers
Parents and daycare providers can utilize the following tips to more effectively manage an ADD child:
- Parents should open a line of communication between the daycare leaders, aides and other personnel. They should inform staff how the child is disciplined both at home and in regular school and request that these methods of discipline remain consistent.
- Parents should insist that leaders should refrain from humiliating the child when he misbehaves. The child should be spoken to privately and quietly.
- If possible, the child should be allowed frequent small breaks to release anxiety and energy.
- The child may be allowed to help the class in activities such as passing out worksheets or art supplies. This may make them feel more included and promote positive behavior.
- Encourage the daycare provider to have a quiet place where the child may rest undisturbed if he needs a time-out or an emotional break.
- Parents should ensure that the child is getting adequate nutritional breaks throughout the day and a "rest period."
It cannot be helped in this day and age that many children must spend their time in daycare or after-school childcare. It can be difficult for any child, but the ADD child may find it especially problematic developing positive relationships and completing tasks. While ADD can be more difficult to manage in the daycare setting, there are many ways in which parents and teachers can ensure a successful, positive experience for their child.
Related Articles:
Challenges of Parenting an ADD/ADHD Child
Getting ADD Kids Attention at Home and in School
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