First autistic daycare to open in Lincoln

Daycare can be overwhelming for all kids, especially for kids with autism or a sensory disorder.

A Lincoln woman is trying to make life easier by opening the first daycare for autistic kids.

"Heart and hands was created to give parents that need another alternative to childcare so we’re a sensory friendly child care center," said Kristi Layman the executive director of Hearts and Hands.

Layman knows how difficult it can be to find the right care for your child, "We have a son with autism and have experienced the struggles of trying to find appropriate childcare so I get it and I know what they’re going through."

Traditional daycare didn’t work for Layman’s son.

She see’s other parents in the community also struggling, it’s why she’s now starting Heart and Hands.

The center is located on O street.

It’s filled with natural light, soft colors, and the perfect amount of toys so kids aren’t overwhelmed, but the center is looking for donations.

"We are still in need of very basic things to help us get our license so we can get open and help these families."

Layman is hoping the community will provide items like fire extinguishers and baby gates, so families who need this service can be helped.

She wants hearts and hands to be a place where parents can feel safe and not worry about leaving their children.

The goal of this first of its kind daycare is to open in the summer, but that can’t happen until they have all the items on their wish list. If you want to contact them for a donation you can do so on their Facebook page.

Their wish list includes: 

• Baby Gates 
• Fire extinguisher
• JoAnne’s gift cards for material for weighted blankets, body socks and bands
• Pressure bars for self-closing doors (3)
• Baskets for cubbies
• Medication box (2) 
• Quick books
• First aid kit (per licensing standards)
• Paper Towel dispenser and paper towels
• nap mats (15)
• King size pillow cases for mats
• Lock for cabinet to secure cleaning supplies
• Wood Screws
• Pest control
• Craft supplies
• Wood poles for tee pee
• Parachute
• Pop up tunnel
• gift card to Menards/Lowe’s/Home Depot
• lock for cabinet (per licensing for cleaning supplies)
• microwave cart
• lattice
• outdoor gross motor games/activities
• monetary donations to cover fees (licensing and 501c3)
• upper cabinets (one approx. 54 inches in length and one approx. 22 in in length)
• 4 utility wheels
• Wood materials to build a changing bench for bathroom to fit area approx. 18 in x 56 in
• Lego base trays
• Games 
• Shoe size plastic tubs
• Shelving for storage for a space 46 in x 21 in
• Push floor sweeper
• Dress up clothes
• Refrigerator thermometer