SUMMER Is On It's Way...Did You Say Child Care??

I need help! I am lost in the red tape of the summer programs!

 As a single parent...I have few options for child care as I attempt to work and go to school. My child only just became officially toilet trained. An accident here or there was reason enough to not include her in the so called inclusion ready programs. .Legality was the culprit. "can't have our staff change her"...to "they aren't trained to do this". Then came the other " legal" issue...she's a heart patient! Although staff are supposed to be CPR/ 1st Aid trained...and required to be...the what ifs started pouring in. What if she goes into a life threatening situation ( I assume they mean heart failure)? What if she should stop breathing or turn blue? I was under the impression that CPR/1st Aid certification meant you were prepared for these what ifs?

So I go from program to program with basically the same replies and the same suggestions...."Have family watch her"...." There's always home care!". Etc. I want my child to have fun this summer. Play with other children fully included...you know. .like the REAL world! I want her to build friendships and memories and be like every kid out there experiencing Summer Camp with all it's drama and laughter. I want her to come home exhausted from daily activities and FUN!

 But no! Alas...there are legalities to consider and our SueHappy society has created this disaster.

So I have run out of options today. .I am tired and crabby and now have a killer migraine from the impossible search for a summer program that my special needs child is ALLOWED to be a part of.

 INCLUSION???? I think not! Los Angeles County has these programs but...we can't utilize them because we live in Ventura County! I am told we don't have  the same scope of funding...we're smaller than LA and no money for these type of programs.{Consequently, neither do I}I'm told its too dangerous and I should consider home care while I work and finish my post-grad degree. I am basically told my child doesn't matter in the big scheme of things. Its My problem. .sorry!

And so, time is running out...I am getting closer to my moment of pure destitution. I have no answers. Neither do THEY! And still I wonder...why don't we have the funding? Why aren't our state and local reps doing something about this vitally urgent issue....child care for special needs kids...here in Ventura County? Why am I the only parent even discussing this issue? Why doesn't she have some civil rights as an American citizen and as a disabled person? Why did I and many others fight SO hard for the ADA...Americans with Disabilities Act?

Too many questions and no answers... None that are good enough for me or my child. Inclusion is the act of including...staff should be trained and certified to handle any life threatening situation with any child...legality shouldn't be standing in the way of a child having an eventful fullfilling summer or me trying to do my job without worrying for 8 hours about her. I should feel confident that in Ventura County they still care about and consider my child's needs. The old funding issue is the oldest known to mankind...no monies for anything and yes I am aware of out crippled economy. But...I still see freeway and street work that isn't necessary being done..flowers being planted and salaries going through the roof for those in charge. Unnecessary monies being spent on meetings...hotels...food..for these officials who are the very ones telling us there's no money.

  A time for a change is ringing out loud and clear when a disabled child can't have a fun summer because of legalities due to training and no proper placement of programs needed desperately, and a single parent with very limited resources.

Am I truly the only one singing this song????? I truly doubt that very much! Namaste!

***any parents/caregivers going through the same ordeal??Let me know..please!