Are you a parent of a medically fragile child with sensory processing difficulties? You know firsthand the unique day-to-day challenges that these children face. That’s why at PediaTrust, we strive to create an environment in which every child can thrive—regardless of their specific needs and diagnosis. Through providing sensory-friendly resources and activities as well as personalized support and guidance from our experienced team members, we believe that all children should have access to opportunities for growth. Read on to learn more about how our special needs daycare program in Columbus helps your little one make great strides in both development and self-confidence.
We Create a Calm, Safe Environment
Studies have shown that 1 in 6 children have sensory processing difficulties. This is especially prevalent among children with special needs. A daycare environment can have a significant impact on medically fragile children with sensory needs. If the environment is noisy, chaotic, or overstimulating, it can be overwhelming for children. This may lead to behaviors such as avoidance, withdrawal, or meltdowns. PediaTrust is dedicated to making accommodations and modifications for sensory-friendliness.
Creating a calm and structured environment can help to minimize sensory overload. It also provides a sense of predictability and stability. This can also help to reduce distractions, provide clear expectations and routines, reduce uncertainty, and increase feelings of control.
We Offer a Range of Sensory Activities
Providing a range of sensory activities such as sand and water play, playdough, and tactile toys can help to engage children’s senses in a positive and enjoyable way. Since our staff is composed of special educators and skilled nurses, they understand sensory processing difficulties and how to support children with these needs. This skill set is beneficial in helping to create a supportive and inclusive environment.
Our special needs daycare in Columbus has designed activities to be positively stimulating for all of our daycare students. These activities can help to limit oversensitivity or under responsiveness to visual or tactile triggers. We are also equipped to handle vestibular or proprioceptive processing needs. Our occupational therapy services can help children with coordination and motor skills using approachable methods.
We Take Special Care at Mealtime
Mealtime can be challenging for medically fragile children with sensory processing difficulties, as the sensory aspects of eating can be overwhelming or distressing. The sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures of food can lead to behaviors such as refusal to eat, food aversions, or difficulty sitting at the table. Children with sensory needs may also have difficulty with oral motor skills such as chewing, swallowing, and biting. This can make eating frustrating and time-consuming, and it can also result in difficulty using utensils.
At our special needs daycare in Columbus, we provide children with a structured mealtime routine to help reduce anxiety and stress. We prepare all meals and snacks according to their parents’ specific instructions and incorporate the use of any special tools or utensils they include. Our goal is to make mealtime as approachable as possible and help each child overcome aversions in a safe, stable environment.
Contact a Special Needs Daycare in Columbus That Understands Sensory Needs
It can be difficult to find a daycare environment that is suited for children with sensory processing difficulties—one that offers fun, safe activities and allows them to feel comfortable. That’s why we take such pride in creating an inclusive, sensory-friendly environment at our special needs daycare. Our goal is to provide children with the opportunity to learn, grow, and develop without feeling overwhelmed or different from those around them. Through careful planning and open communication between staff and families, we strive to make sure every child feels engaged and accepted.If you are interested in learning more about our special needs daycare in Columbus or our other daycare locations, reach out to us today! Call our Columbus, MS, location at 662-570-1957 or contact your closest PediaTrust daycare.
