Good morning: Nurse to open inclusive day care for autistic kids in Dover

By Mike Finney
Posted 3/9/22

DOVER — Armed with personal knowledge of the challenge of raising an autistic child, Stacy Flanagan is hoping to provide a day care that can offer children with “extra needs” a proper learning environment.

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Good morning: Nurse to open inclusive day care for autistic kids in Dover

Posted

DOVER — Armed with personal knowledge of the challenge of raising an autistic child, Stacy Flanagan is hoping to provide a day care that can offer children with “extra needs” a proper learning environment.

Mrs. Flanagan, a registered nurse, has targeted May 1 to open her Kind Kids Early Learning Center at 725 Walker Road in Dover.

“We basically came up with the idea of opening a day care that’s inclusive to children who have autism, as well as children who do not. That way everyone can learn from each other, and this will give them somewhere safe to go while their parents go to work,” said Mrs. Flanagan, whose oldest son, Brody, was diagnosed with autism around age 2. “I am opening a center for children like my son.”

It was her and her husband Mark’s experience — and struggles — with finding day care for Brody following his diagnosis that inspired Mrs. Flanagan to open a facility for others with the same journey.

She said there is a great demand for this type of early-learning establishment, as 1 in 44 children nationwide were identified with autism spectrum disorder in 2021.

“We are a unique day care center, as we will be helping care for children on the autism spectrum. Children with ASD are often underserved when it comes to day care centers,” she said. “Child care resources are hard to come by, as many day care staff are not trained to teach and work with children who have extra needs.

“Our mission is to help these children grow, prosper and prepare them for school.”

Opening the Kind Kids Early Learning Center has become a personal mission for Mrs. Flanagan, who also has another son, Wyatt, age 2 1/2, and a daughter, Julianna, who is 1.

“My son (Brody) is almost 6 now,” she said. “However, we went through about four or five day cares that my son was actually asked to leave because his needs were too high for the day care.

“I’m a full-time registered nurse. It wasn’t an option to not work. At one time, though, I did have to quit my job at ChristianaCare to stay home with him because I couldn’t find (a day care) anywhere.”

Mrs. Flanagan added that her day care will be the first of its kind in the First State.

She is applying for grants, such as the Delaware Division of Small Business EDGE Grant, to help with funding.

While she said she is getting some great support so far, she has posted a GoFundMe page to purchase playground equipment to accommodate all children, as well as a sensory room that kids can use for therapy and as a “safe place” when experiencing stress.

The Kind Kids Early Learning Center is hoping to host around 50 children, ranging from 6 weeks to 5 years old. Mrs. Flanagan is also looking to offer a before- and after-school program.

She has also purchased the lot next to 725 Walker Road, with an eye toward building another facility once she gets the original up and running smoothly.

“We have partnered with physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy and (Applied Behavior Analysis therapy for autism). Our staff will receive additional education to teach and work with kids on the spectrum,” said Mrs. Flanagan. “This will help the children get services promptly and provide consistency and continuity of care.

“Also, in these trying times, many parents cannot take off work multiple times a week to take their kids to therapy, so this should help lessen that stress for these incredible parents.”

Mrs. Flanagan also talks to parents about their children’s Individualized Education Program and the tools that are available for their families.

“If you’re not well versed, it’s not always the easiest thing in the state of Delaware,” she said, regarding available resources. “For example, I found out that my son qualifies for Medicaid secondary, regardless of income, because of the autism diagnosis, which is incredibly helpful when your child has therapy, every single day, that requires coping.

“So things like that and navigating the school system and understanding your IEP, understanding what resources you have, knowing that there are free advocates out there to ensure that the IEP meets your child’s needs and (making) sure that you understand what all’s in there.”

With the days going by quickly until her opening, Mrs. Flanagan said things can get hectic at times, but she has a helpful support staff.

“I want to make sure we have enough staff to give (the kids the) attention that they need. However we look at it, I’m just a nurse, out of my own pocket. I don’t have any state funding,” she said.

“I do have some incredible support, and I’m hoping to have more staff, but at the end of the day, it’s all about what we can afford.”

For information, visit Kind Kids’ Facebook page.

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