Choosing a day care is one of the most important decisions parents make for
their infants and toddlers. Your child will spend most of his waking hours
there, so it’s important to find an environment that is safe and nurturing
physically, emotionally and academically.
I’ve worked in the field of early childhood education for decades. Here are
my top eight things to look for when searching for the right child care.
Convenience
Consider the following: Do the program’s hours work for your schedule? Is
it near your home or office? How long will it take you to get there if
there’s an emergency during the day?
Cost
While it’s crucial to find a program that fits into your budget, that
doesn’t mean you should scrimp on quality. If your dream day care is too
costly for you to manage, ask about scholarships. Many communities have
programs to help working parents with the cost of child care.
First impressions
Drop in unannounced to get a feel for a place. Pay close attention to how
you’re greeted and what’s going on. Is it chaotic? Did you walk right in
without anyone noticing you? Do the children look happy and occupied?
Notice the teachers: Are they warm and caring? Do they seem to genuinely
like children?
Recommendations
Ask other parents and caregivers who currently use the day care, as well as
former families about their experiences there. Also check with the local
Better Business Bureau. A quick online search never hurts, either.
Cleanliness
Sure, with dozens of small children, it’s tough to keep a building clean,
but it is imperative to keep everyone healthy. Do you notice any foul
smells? Teachers should wear gloves for diapering and wash their hands
before and after. Procedures should be in place for sanitizing all
equipment and toys throughout the day.
Ratios
In Florida, one teacher is allowed by law to be alone with 11
two-year-olds. The National Association for the Education of Young Children
(NAEYC) recommends a one-to-six ratio for the same age group. The lower the
ratio, the more attention your child will receive. The ratio varies
depending on the age group. If your day care is NAEYC-approved, find out
the appropriate NAEYC ratio for your child’s age. Check the website of the
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to learn your state’s health
and safety recommendations.
Turnover
Once you’ve found the perfect teacher, you want some assurance that she
won’t leave two weeks after you enroll your child. Find out the program’s
turnover rate. If teachers frequently leave, they may be unhappy about the
way they’re treated or about something happening at the school, which is
cause for concern.
Policies and procedures
Confirm the school is up to date on licensing standards by contacting your
local department of children and families. Ask to see the school’s policy
and procedure handbooks. They should have plans in place for dealing with a
wide variety of issues from lice outbreaks to power outages. Ask about the
center’s safety procedures.
Choosing a day care doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In the end, trust your
instincts.
