Child Care Serices for a Disabled Son

[cvacrafts]

My husband and I are planning a 2nd trip to WDW. We are hoping to leave our 20 year old with my parents this trip. If that does not work out we will take him with us again but would like some time to do things together that he would not enjoy. Has anyone used the Babysitting services or Child Care services for a disabled child. He has epilepsy (controlled) and cerebral palsy and is mentally disabled. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Thank you.

 

[teri]

We were most pleased with the excellent care services offered by Fairy Godmothers Child Care Services. They offer services to kids and to elders - it would be worth calling them directly and asking about your specific situation. Their number is (407) 969-9847 and toll free 877-611-4314

Our 8 yo son is a bit autistic and has some behavioral issues, they were just fine with him. I wish I had a service like this where I live!!! It would almost be worth moving to Orlando just for the Fairy Godmothers.

"My brain takes a vacation just to give my heart more room..."
teri@iluvdisney.com

 

[SueM in MN]

We have never used them, so I was hoping teri would reply since I knew she had experience.
Several other people have also posted being very pleased with Fairy Godmother's. If they are booked, maybe they could suggest someone else.
Good luck and have fun.

SueM in MN
Co-Moderator of disABILITIES

 

[EpcotMom]

My DS is profoundly retarded, has seizures, CP,hydrocephalus and is non-ambulatory. They took time with me and got all the info to match us with the best caregiver. She was GREAT! She was knowledgable about his disabilities,knew what to do in emergencies, how to give meds, and play with him. She even asked if he needed and PT or OT while we were out! I love the service!

 

[JonJ]

We have used the Cub's Den at Wilderness Lodge for our daughter Susan (17), who is mentally retarded and has a number of physical problems. The activities were slow paced and the Cast Members were excellent! This January was our third time using the Cub's Den. Susan is very calm and well behaved, but functions at about the 4 to 5 year old level.

 

[cvacrafts]

I've found the Cub's den listed on a website and it mentions that it is available for children ages 4-12. How did you make arrangements for your 17 yo daughter to stay with them? Our son will be 21 by the time we are planning on going in December but because of physical disabilities and short stature looks much younger. In some areas he functions at about a 10 year level but for the most part it's 5-6 years. He is well behaved and I'm sure he would have a great time.

Cheryl in NJ

 

[cvacrafts]

Is Fairy Godmother's connected to Disney in some way or is it a private agency? As I understand that the Cub's Den is located at the resort but what about this? Do they come to you or do you take the child somewhere? My son has mild CP, epilepsy, hydrocephalus and is mentally disdabled. He can walk independently but we have a wheelchair for long distances. He needs constant supervision. My husband and I are hoping to find something that will enable us to leave him at various times of the day to enjoy things with each other that he is unable (or unwilling)to do. The Cub's Den seemed to be available only from 5pm to midnight. Also, do you have any idea of the cost?

Cheryl in NJ

 

[teri]

Fairy Godmothers is a private agency. Kindercare is affiliated with Disney, we had no luck getting a reservation with them, and fortunately we already knew about Fairy Godmothers. The kids' clubs will not feed, change any diapers or assist in toileting if those are needs that you may have. I know that some people have asked about leaving disabled kids in the clubs and gotten mixed answers - generally if one needs constant supervision or any kind of nursing care they ask that an adult stay there... that sort of defeats the purpose.

I believe the rate was $12/hour for my 2 kids with Fairy Godmothers, with a 4 hour minimum and a travel fee. Not cheap, but worth every penny for us. We also gave a tip. The cost was equivalent to what we would have paid for a full evening for 2 kids at a kids club, but without the time pressure of having to be back by 11:30. And the kids were tucked in bed, snug and happy. Our sitter even tidied up and did the dishes! Worth every penny. The kids loved her.

"My brain takes a vacation just to give my heart more room..."
teri@iluvdisney.com

 

[SueOKW]

Thanks for the info on this post - it was very reassuring. I called Fairy Godmother's - we are all set for 4-1. They are coming at 6:00 - and we are going to PI!!! I am really excited about our upcoming trip.

Sue

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