"Niche Market"

[Familycare71]

When my therapists heard I had an opening, they asked for my business card. Within a month, I had a full time baby. It would have been less, but there were some issues with paying ahead (not that they didn't want to, it just took them a while for their pay periods to line up so that they had the money.)

One of mine has speech 3 times a month, OT 3 times a month, PT either 2 or 3 times a month, case manager meeting 3 times a month, and once he has his M-CHAT, they will probably add behavioral. The other just has case manager 3 times a month and OT 3 times a month. Once he has his 1 year review, I feel like they will add PT and speech. Since I started this, I haven't had to deal with the isolation of a home daycare. It's like parade central around here. ::

When I'm talking about my dc, I call myself a theraputic home, but that's unofficial. If I ever had to advertise again, I would ask my therapists how to describe it. I don't expect to ever have to advertise again though.

Thank you!! :hug: I am going to make some phone calls. I wonder also if I called our early intervention if they would be willing to share my info-
I have a way of attracting special needs kids- one of my parents (whom I'm really close with) says it Must be something I do :: But I would LOVE to start working with families who have already started looking for answers rather than what I get now- families I have to convince to look!

[Unregistered]

I advertise as nature based care. It's all weather outdoor play/learning. We have great indoor spaces but we're out more than in. We even eat outside until we need mitts. Most of the toys and activities are made of natural local material - most are handmade.
I don't allow disposable diapers or sippy cups. ( by 9 mos each child has a little tin cup for their water or milk )

[Sunchimes]

Thank you!! :hug: I am going to make some phone calls. I wonder also if I called our early intervention if they would be willing to share my info-
I have a way of attracting special needs kids- one of my parents (whom I'm really close with) says it Must be something I do :: But I would LOVE to start working with families who have already started looking for answers rather than what I get now- families I have to convince to look!

I never planned to do this. One of my kids started showing problems as an infant, although we were all in denial until he was about 9 months old. His pediatrician didn't admit to a problem until he was 15 months old. It never entered my mind that anyone would refuse to allow therapists in or let them in but not participate. I guess I sort of shoved my way in when it started and they were too shocked to react at first. :: It appears that there isn't a single provider in our town who does therapy during the day.

I call myself a theraputic care home. I wouldn't say that to a parent unless I cleared it with the ECI people. It sure does come in handy when someone asks your husband if his wife is still babysitting. He said "She isn't a babysitter. She has a theraputic day care for special needs kids. She is at capacity and has a waiting list." lovethis Love that guy!

[Familycare71]

I never planned to do this. One of my kids started showing problems as an infant, although we were all in denial until he was about 9 months old. His pediatrician didn't admit to a problem until he was 15 months old. It never entered my mind that anyone would refuse to allow therapists in or let them in but not participate. I guess I sort of shoved my way in when it started and they were too shocked to react at first. :: It appears that there isn't a single provider in our town who does therapy during the day.

I call myself a theraputic care home. I wouldn't say that to a parent unless I cleared it with the ECI people. It sure does come in handy when someone asks your husband if his wife is still babysitting. He said "She isn't a babysitter. She has a theraputic day care for special needs kids. She is at capacity and has a waiting list." lovethis Love that guy!

It's funny how they find you- I just always seem to have special needs kiddos- not that I mind! I love watching them grow!!
I didnt even think about what I do as being a niche until I read your post! All my therapists who come here are so happy and impressed that I wanted to learn and help - and that I was accommodating!
And I agree- it helps with the adult contact aspect!!

[Cradle2crayons]

It's funny how they find you- I just always seem to have special needs kiddos- not that I mind! I love watching them grow!!
I didnt even think about what I do as being a niche until I read your post! All my therapists who come here are so happy and impressed that I wanted to learn and help - and that I was accommodating!
And I agree- it helps with the adult contact aspect!!

My special dcg is about to start ei services. Her assessment is next week. I never thought about the adult interaction part. I do get kinda lonely. My husband is home 1-2 weeks a month but hell be gone this entire month until the 10th of November. I find myself in kid mode all the time.

Last week I found I'd graduated from my NHI program and I'm going to miss the twice a month visits.

[sahm1225]

I accept part timers & offer flexible schedules for parents that need rotating days.

I have school teachers that only need school year care and another two families that only need summer care. Then I have a family that needs only morning care and another that only needs afternoon care. I have two families that work retail and their schedule rotates. So far, I have been very blessed and lucky and it all seems to work itself out. I love having a different group of kids every few days. We are a small group so it keeps it fun!