[hrisme]

I know I've seen a few posts from individuals here who do foster care & also have child care in their homes. I'm interested in hearing about others experiences with this. Here they will absolutely not let you do both foster care & child care, but they will allow you to do a part-time preschool program. I talked to someone today who said he thought he could get me a variance for respite-only while I am licensed for child care. While I don't officially do child care (I run a preschool session mornings & a pre-k/kinder session afternoons) I am licensed for it, as there is no separate license available for preschool only & it qualifies me for several grants.

I am wondering how those of you who have done this manage. Does it bother your child care clients when you have a child with behavioral disorders? Do you tell the clients straight out that you do foster care? Or that the children you have in your home may have special needs? How do you ensure the safety of your child care clients if you have a child with emotional or behavioral problems in your care?

I did initially begin my child care program with the intent of integrating special needs & typically developing children, and I didn't have any major problems, so I'm not going into this blind. I know what can happen with behavioral kids & I want to make sure everyone in my program is prepared and make sure everyone stays safe, physically and emotionally.