What Things to Look for in a Day Care Center
Choosing a day care provider is one of the most difficult and important choices that you will ever make. Although it may seem daunting, there are some basic guidelines that can help you narrow down the choices to those day care options that will work best for you and your child.
Other People Are Reading
-
Licensing
-
Licensing requirements for day care providers can vary greatly from state to state and certification is offered by a number of different agencies. Ask the provider or director what certifications or licenses they hold, and ask to see the documentation.
Safety
-
Observe the day care environment to be certain that it is childproof and safe for children your child's age. If the day care is providing care for any children under 3, the area should be free of hazards such as small items or toys meant for older children, blinds with strings, open electrical sockets and unlocked drawers or cabinets.
-
Staff
-
Licensing regulations generally govern the ratio of staff to children. Be certain not only that there are adequate staff to care for children's needs, but that they are trained in pediatric CPR and first aid.
Cleanliness
-
Because children in day care often suffer more frequent bouts with viruses, it is especially important to keep the environment and toys and other materials clean. Providers should disinfect toys after infants or toddlers put them in their mouths, and frequent hand washing should be employed by both children and adults.
Environment
-
Once you have established the safety and cleanliness of a given provider, it is important to assess whether the general environment is a good match for your child. While some children love large groups, others are overwhelmed, just as some children need lots of structured activities while others thrive on more flexible scheduling.
Convenience
-
Consider the location and hours that the provider is available; you don't want to be rushing from work in order to make it to pick up your child in time. If the provider is a home day care or individual caretaker, find out what their backup plan (for providing care) is in the event that they become ill or have an emergency.
-
