We Need More Attention on Mental Health in Early Childhood Education & Care Settings – By Anonymous

My son has attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). There is one child care option in my city that offers help for these diagnoses. Several child care facilities previously told me that I would need to pay for an aid if I wanted one (which he NEEDS for his success). I was already paying $14,000 annually for child care. 
 
Mental health care for young children is a sad joke. Waiting 3-6 months to see a psychiatrist who then cancels at the last minute is ridiculous. We need mental health services in town for children under the age of 10. We also need child care options equipped to offer support for students who have mental or behavioral health concerns.