One of the biggest questions we get is about care — after school care, respite care, in-home care, etc. Many parents struggle to find childcare for their child (any age) who has special needs. Often a “typical” babysit isn’t equipped to handle their needs. Here are a couple of options that parents have recommended to me. Here are some resources we’re aware of (most are specific to the DFW area, but not all). If you know of an organization or option that we haven’t included, contact us so we can share it here!
RESPITE CARE PROGRAMS AND CHILDCARE
Look for caregivers on a matching website. Although this can be hit-or-miss, many parents have had success using this method. On some of the sites, you can specify that you are looking for someone with experience in the area of special needs. Here are some recommended sites:
Care.com - this is the largest and most common one
Other parent recommendations are:
Old teachers, friends of friends, neighbors
Neighborhood websites (such as NextDoor)
Local colleges and universities - check with local colleges who have a degree program related to therapy or education. Some of the students may be looking for experience in their area of study and some extra cash!
Respite night - many local churches offer respite programs, usually one night a month or every couple of months for a few hours. Below you can find a list of DFW churches who offer these programs. If you’re not in the DFW area, try searching “church special needs” and see what pops up. Even if they don’t offer respite, they may know of a church that does.
Here’s a Thrive Magazine article on finding the right babysitter for your child with special needs.
LOCAL CHURCHES THAT OFFER RESPITE NIGHTS:
Bent Tree Bible, Carrollton (during support group)
Christ’s Foundry, Dallas - contact Enfloresadriana6@gmail.com
White Rock UMC, Dallas - contact vsunesparza@wrumc.org
Prestonwood Baptist, Plano
SPECIFIC ORGANIZATIONS
THESE BUSINESSES AND NON-PROFITS PROVIDE IN-HOME OR CENTER-BASED SERVICES
In-home:
Angels of Care Pediatric Home Health
A nurse owned and operated home health agency with experienced and knowledgeable staff serving the special needs community. Provides an array of home health services to pediatric patients including: Private Duty Nursing, Hourly Nursing Care, Skilled Nursing Visits, Respite Care, Flexible Family Support Services, Certified Nursing Aide Program, Personal Assistant Services, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Speech Therapy.
Home health services, attendant care, community support, long-term care support.
The Community Living Assistance and Support Services (CLASS) program provides case management services for individuals of all ages and disabilities to live as independently as possible at home and in the community. Our CLASS team works with each individual, focusing on client choice and independence, to ensure his or her needs are met and coordinates a variety of services to ensure individuals with disabilities are able to live independently.
Through My Eyez Child Care Services
In-home care, preschool daycare 3 half-days/week, tutoring services, homeschool academic learning in phonics, reading and language arts Mon-Thurs 9:00am-1:00pm.
Provides Respite Care (including overnight), social skills training, tutoring, community outing support, and travel companionship
HCS respite provider
In-home Respite Care for children under 18 who reside in Dallas County
CENTER-BASED:
After-school & school holidays care
Infant-5 years; medically-managed child care, plus respite 2 Saturdays per month
Inclusive daycare for ages 6 months-4 years
The Friendship Circle of Dallas
Mom/Dad Night Out
TEENS AND ADULTS
There are many organizations that provide after-school and day programs specifically for teens and/or adults with special needs. For a list of programs in the DFW area, check out our Adult Services page.