Over the years of running my childcare business, I had the privilege of caring for children with special needs. It was an eye-opening experience, filled with moments of joy, learning, and—if I’m being honest—a little bit of frustration. Not because of the children, but because I quickly realized that having specialized resources would have helped me provide the individualized care each child truly needed.
If you’re in the daycare business, you already know that no two children are alike. But when you have little ones with special needs in your care, the “one-size-fits-all” approach flies right out the window. The good news? You don’t have to figure it all out alone. Our industry understands this need, and today, I’m going to share some amazing resources to help you provide the best care possible for all children in your daycare.
Running a Daycare? Here’s Why You Need Special Needs Resources
What Are Considered Special Needs?
Before we dive into the resources, let’s clarify what we mean by “special needs.” This term covers a broad spectrum of developmental, physical, behavioral, and emotional differences. Some common examples include:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Speech and language delays
- Sensory processing disorders
- ADHD
- Learning disabilities
- Down syndrome
- Physical disabilities
Each of these conditions presents unique challenges and requires different teaching methods, support systems, and activities. That’s why having the right resources is so important!
Why Do Daycare Providers Need Special Resources for Special Needs Children?
If you’re thinking, “I already do activities with the kids every day—why do I need something different for special needs children?” Here’s why:
- Children Learn Differently – Some kids may thrive with traditional teaching methods, but others need hands-on activities, visual aids, or sensory-based learning experiences.
- Communication May Need to Be Adapted – Some children may be non-verbal or have limited language skills, requiring alternative communication strategies.
- Behavioral and Sensory Needs Vary – Loud noises, bright lights, or sudden transitions can be overwhelming for some kids. Special resources help structure the environment to reduce stress and increase engagement.
- Inclusion Matters – Having the right curriculum and activities ensures all children feel included, engaged, and supported.
Related Reading:
The Best Resources for Special Needs Curriculum and Activities in Daycare
Now, let’s get to the good stuff! Here are some top-notch resources that can help you create a more inclusive, engaging daycare environment for special needs children.
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1. 30 Days of Sensory Play
This is a fantastic resource for daycare providers looking to add sensory-rich activities to their daily schedule. It includes a full month of hands-on activities designed to support sensory processing and cognitive development.
➡ Where to find it: Autism Early Learning
2. A Sample Weekly Plan of Sensory Activities
If you need a structured weekly plan, Hands On As We Grow® offers easy-to-follow sensory activities that help toddlers and preschoolers engage with their environment in a meaningful way.
➡ Where to find it: Hands On As We Grow
3. Back-to-School Weekly Lesson Plans for Preschool Special Education
Perfect for structuring the day in an inclusive way, these lesson plans include daily activities, storytelling, and fun ways to reinforce learning.
➡ Where to find it: This Is Teaching
4. Teachers Pay Teachers – Special Needs Preschool Lesson Plans
Looking for customizable lesson plans? This online marketplace has a variety of resources created by educators specifically for children with special needs.
➡ Where to find it: Teachers Pay Teachers
5. Inclusive Early Education Resources
The California Department of Education provides guidance and tools to support inclusive daycare programs. Whether you need help adapting lesson plans or structuring your daycare to be more inclusive, this is a great place to start.
➡ Where to find it: CDE Inclusive Early Education
Related Reading:
- 5 Fun Daycare Valentine’s Day Activities
- 7 Fun and Educational Spring Activities for Daycare Kids Will Love
Keep Learning, Keep Growing
Caring for children with special needs is both a responsibility and a privilege. It requires patience, creativity, and—most importantly—the right tools. The good news? You don’t have to do it alone. The resources above are just the beginning of what’s available to help you provide the best care possible.
[FREE DOWNLOAD] Here Are The 10 Must-Have Daycare Templates
As childcare providers, we owe it to the children, parents, and communities we serve to continually seek out and demand the resources we need. The more we educate ourselves and equip our programs with the right tools, the better we can support every child in our care. And let’s be real—when we do that, our businesses thrive too!
Got a favorite special needs resource? Drop it in the comments and let’s build a better childcare community together!
