Choosing a childcare center can prove a daunting task for many parents. There are many different types of daycare centers available, from small privately owned centers, to childcare chains, to centers located inside schools. Each has its own childcare philosophy, early education curriculum, tuition, and policies. Parents may do well to research each center they are considering, visit several times, and get a feel for what will work for their family and most importantly, their child.
In order to assist with this choice, here are some basic guidelines for helping parents to choose a childcare center.
Childcare Choices
Research what licensed childcare centers are in your area by doing an internet search, and narrow down your choices based on convenience of location, cost, hours of operation, and childcare philosophy. In today’s techno age, most parents can also look up childcare center reviews, stats, and code violations.
Brush Up on Childcare Laws
When doing your internet search for a childcare center, take some time to brush up on your state’s childcare laws. What are the adult/child ratios? How many children should be in each classroom? What are the rules for cleaning and sanitizing? What are the regulations for teacher training? Make a list of the items you feel are the most important, and take it with you when you visit each childcare center. Be sure to ask questions and observe carefully on each visit.
Make an Unannounced Visit
Most centers allow for walk in visits or tours. Your first visit should not be an appointment, as you want to come in and observe how the childcare center runs on a daily basis. You may even bring your child, in order to see how the staff responds. Have a list of things you are looking for, along with your notes on childcare laws. Were the staff welcoming? Were they willing to show you the entire center and all of the classrooms? Were you introduced to the different caregivers? Was the atmosphere warm, inviting, and clean? Did they answer your questions regarding how your child will be cared for, daycare center policies, and education? Be sure to observe the children and the types of activities they are doing as well, including staff interactions.
Early Childhood Education
Many childcare centers offer some form of early childhood education. There are a variety of early childhood curriculums available. Many of them are play-based, others are more academic, and some use a variety of educational philosophies. Find out what kind of early childhood educational programs your daycare offers. What age do they start at? Do they sing songs with infants? Do they offer activities for toddlers, such as learning shapes and colors? What do they do to help preschoolers prepare for kindergarten? Ask if you can observe the classroom your child will be in, or some of the activities the children are doing in order to decide if the center’s academic approach will work for your child.
Policies
After your visit, take any information supplied by the childcare center and read it thoroughly. Note the tuition costs, registration fees, and late fees, etc. Be aware of the tuition due dates, and rules for scheduling, etc. Carefully read through the health and nutrition guidelines so you are aware of what the requirements are. Do you have to supply pre-made bottles? What about baby food? Does your center have a hot lunch program or do you have to send a lunch. What about breakfast and snacks? In addition to this, read through the center’s first aid and illness policy. What will they do if your child becomes sick or injured? What is the policy for keeping other children who are sick at home? Also, check the schedule regarding holidays, vacation time, etc.? Make sure you read through each center’s rules and policies, carefully comparing each to help make the decision that works best for your family.
While choosing a childcare center can prove to be a difficult task, it is well worth the time and effort. With careful research and observation, you may be lucky enough to find a center both you and your child will love. The right childcare center makes a huge difference in a working parent’s day, as it provides the security of knowing the child is well cared for, happy, and thriving.