Five Tips For Choosing the Right Child-Care Facility
September 27, 2017 No Comments
When you look for the right child care facility, there are some things you should keep in mind. This is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your child. Here are some tips you should keep in mind.
Observe the Interaction
When checking out a potential child-care facility, you should pay attention to the way that the daycare workers interact with the other children. They should be playing with the children or holding them in their laps. Babies and young children need close interaction with adults in order to grow and thrive. It’s important that the staff is warm, loving, and responsive to the children. Even in large groups, babies and infants should have one-on-one interaction. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, it’s imperative for a child-care facility to have one adult for every three babies under 24 months of age.
Perform a Policy Check
Determine the philosophies when it comes to playtime, discipline, television, snack time, sleep time, and more. For instance, when do the children take naps? How do they help tired babies sleep? Is the television on all day or used sparingly? Find out about the child-care facility’s sick-time policy. What illnesses or symptoms would keep your child at home? Find out if there’s a backup for when the staff is out sick and unable to care for your kids. The more you ask, the less unexpected surprises you’ll receive later.
Spy on the Staff
One thing you could do is spy on the staff without their knowledge. Most childcare services west jordan ut should be childproofed, cleaned, and well stocked with toys and books that are appropriate for their age. When children of all ages are using the space, it’s important for staff to keeps with small parts out of reach of young children and babies. In addition, babies should have their own play area away from toddlers.
Visit different child-care facilities at spontaneous times of the day. This will allow you to determine how the daycare workers interact with children without you’re knowing. This also helps you learn about the daily routine. Show up at the facility unannounced after enrolling your child, to ensure things are going smoothly. Sometimes surprise visits can help you assure if a place is the right one for your child, or to find out if the right type of care isn’t being provided.
Keep Talking to the Staff
Your caregiver should give you information about how well your child did. When you say goodbye to your child, inform the caregiver about whether your child ate breakfast, how they slept in the morning, and if they are teething. You should also receive important information about their snack time, play time, and nap time. It’s important to talk to the daycare worker in person. If not, you can always schedule a time to talk to them on the phone.
Problem-Solving Matters
It’s important to be aware of problems that can arise and to solve them as soon as possible. This can prevent problems from getting out of hand. Some issues, however, may require a sit-down conversation. No matter, always be respectful to the staff.
Speak up and make your issues known. When approaching difficult topics, get the caregiver’s input and provide yours as well. Instead of asking for an early nap time, ask for tips on how to get your child to sleep better at night.
Category: Education & Development