Choosing a Day Care – What Parents Should Know
Choosing a daycare facility for your precious child is one of the most important decisions you will ever make as a parent. There are so many different variables to consider and all parents will want to weigh all of their options carefully before opting for one type of daycare center or facility over another.
It is certainly true that many parents and guardians struggle with the decision to enroll their children in some type of care program whether it’s full or part time, at a commercially run center, or perhaps a privately owned facility in someone’s home. But, by arming yourself with the most pertinent information as well as doing plenty of research ahead of time you will be able to make the absolute best choice for your family and their specific needs.
One of the very first things you should ask about when visiting or inquiring with a potential daycare is the child to staff ratio. Although there are state laws that may vary, an average ratio is three to five young children per one staff member and as many as seven to 10 older children per staff member. You will also want to check to see that older children and younger children or babies and toddlers are kept in separate groups for reasons such as safety and development issues.
Ask the center’s director what their policies are on discipline and other important issues such as emergency preparedness, what the protocol is when children are ill, and if they care for sick children. You may also ask for a written copy of the center’s policies and they should be happy to oblige. Also be sure to ask if a physical examination be needed before enrollment and if the children are required to have vaccinations.
Staff training is yet another vital issue to discuss when it comes to choosing the best daycare center for your child or children. You will want to ask about training requirements of all staff members, whether or not anyone is certified in first aid, if anyone has a background in child development and if everyone has met the necessary requirements to work with children.
Building and play area safety is another matter parents should take the time to learn about when it comes to deciding if they should send their kids to a child care facility. Does the center practice fire drills? Are there fire extinguishers and smoke alarms in the proper places? Is the facility equipped with safety gates and protective covers on electrical outlets? Are play areas safe for all ages and are there impact absorbing surfaces underneath outdoor swings or slides?
Parents will also want to visit with the staff and director of the center and talk to other parents about their experiences there. Some centers may also include fun activities for parents to participate or to volunteer for field trips or other events.
The ideal daycare center will not only offer quality care for the children in their charge but it will also include educational programs, a variety of learning toys, books and organized activity time appropriately designed for specific age groups.
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