Starting a family is a lifelong dream for most people. However, finding work-life balance when you have an autistic child can be extremely challenging. The situation is more challenging because of the few childcare centres that can accommodate children with autism. Consequently, most parents with autistic children are kept out of the workforce since they have to spend the first few years nurturing their newborn. However, it does not have to be the case, especially if you know what to look for in a childcare centre that caters to children with autism. This article highlights the qualities and attributes you should look for in such a centre.

Staff with Autism Education Background 

A childcare centre's team must be qualified in early childhood learning. However, such qualification only allows them to offer services in mainstream or traditional childcare centres. It means that your child is less likely to receive the right care since the staff are not qualified to handle or work with autistic children. Therefore, make sure that employees in your preferred childcare centre have a background in autism. The knowledge will go a long way in ensuring your child receives the best possible care and attention.

Adherence to Autism Specific Childcare Guidelines 

Research in the field of autism is critical to ensuring child caregivers have access to the latest information. It helps to provide the best possible care for children with autism. However, it is one thing for a childcare centre to access the information and another thing to conform. Autism-specific childcare centres in Australia must base their service delivery on evidence-based research and guidelines. For instance, the 2012 publication by Prior and Roberts is the go-to-guide for autism-specific childcare centres since it outlines best practice models. Therefore, ensure that a centre has evidence of strict adherence to these guidelines and any other standards.

Staff Already Takes Care of Many Children with Autism

Inclusivity is a major issue when looking for a childcare centre. Therefore, it is essential to focus on centres that enrol a significant number of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) because it sends the message that they are inclusive. Ideally, enrol your child in a centre that accommodates at least 20 children with ASDs. You will rest assured that your child is not alone and that they can interact with other children diagnosed with ASD. It will go a long way in helping your child to grow up knowing that nothing is wrong with them.

Learn more by contacting and comparing your local childcare centre options.