When you start finding a daycare, the options can seem
overwhelming. How do I know it's better than this? Which reviews can I trust?
You want the most affordable, highest quality daycare that's close to your home
or work – that's not too much to ask, right?
A quick online search in most cities returns hundreds of different results and types of care, including daycare centers, in-home or family daycare, co-ops, and preschools. The daycare you choose will ultimately depend on many different factors, but regardless of its location or childcare philosophy, there are some things that every high-quality daycare should have in common.
1. Stellar Reviews
Positive reviews are a good sign when looking for a daycare center. This doesn't mean you'll only read what you read online (although, of
course, check them out too!). You can also find reviews on local parenting
groups on Google and Facebook. Ask the daycare to provide you with some names
and numbers of parents you can call for references, or tap into your friends
and family network to see which local center is their favorite.
Don't underestimate social media when you're online. "Many daycare providers have Facebook pages." “Read what they're posting, and pay attention to what parents are saying, too. When parents are busy, it's a healthy sign of a reliable childcare business.
2. An attractive environment
When you go to daycare, it should feel light, bright, clean,
and fun. Common areas should be attractive and clean, and the actual space
where your child will be each day should be set up in a way that facilitates
play and learning. In home daycare, Fien says there should be a designated
space in the home for children, whether it's a recreation room, a walkout basement
or a large nursery area.
If you're looking for a space for a baby, the room should be clean and child-proof. Most importantly, babies should have designated spaces for eating, sleeping and physical activities like tummy time and playtime.
3. Children and caregivers who are engaged
In a high-quality daycare, you should expect to see children
who engage enthusiastically with their teachers and who seem happy to be there.
"Ideally, you want to see that kids are really engaged
and enjoying what they're doing." "[It should be] they don't even
realize you're there."
Infants should be held frequently, played with, given tummy
time, and given opportunities to explore their space with close adult
supervision, such as letting them look out windows or at walls. But the
pictures must be taken around to be seen.
Additionally, daycares should not rely on screen time to entertain children of any age. Sometimes, a short educational video or group computer game can be part of the activity for older children, but screen time should be strictly limited, educational only, and should not be allowed for even the youngest children.
4. Well-staffed classrooms
Daycare providers should have prior experience working with
children and ideally have completed some coursework or a degree in child
development or a related field. If they are transporting children they must be
CPR-certified, safe and licensed drivers, and their interactions with the
children must be positive and enthusiastic.
It is also important that a daycare follow the rules
regarding how many children they can allow per caregiver. A national database
of childcare licensing regulations can tell you the appropriate ratio of
children to caregivers in each state.
It's a sign that a program is really successful if they have more teachers than they need. For example, if the ratio is four infants to one teacher and they have eight infants to three teachers, this shows that the teachers are well supported and are able to provide the highest level of care. But even if they don't have more additional staff than necessary, teachers should not appear overwhelmed or stressed by the number of children in their care.
5. Focus on security
Everyday care should be set up with safety in mind, staff or
home providers should have proper emergency and CPR training, and they should
follow the latest guidelines about safe sleep, eating, and play.
Daycare providers should have clear guidelines about what is classified as an injury (a paper cut, while still an injury, probably does not require an incident report whereas a head bump. What types of accidents are reported and under what circumstances parents are called.
6. A clear curriculum
The curriculum will vary depending on the type of care you
are looking for and the philosophy of the daycare. But if a daycare is
advertised as Montessori, play-based or something else, there should be proof
of that.
Classrooms should be set up according to Montessori specifications, or the daily calendar should include specific play-based activities that children will participate in throughout the day. The director and/or individual provider should be able to explain to you how the learning philosophy is facilitated through setup and daily activities.
7. Clear discipline policy
Discipline issues can be common in any daycare as children
adjust to a new setting and learn how to live with large groups of other
children.
Daycare staff should have a plan for dealing with behavior
problems that include clear expectations and ways to address problems. Daycare
discipline strategies should be positive and never involve harsh or physical
punishment, and providers should be in constant communication with parents
regarding any issues or disciplinary measures.
Get more info: https://growinnsteps.mystrikingly.com/blog/daycare-center-for-child
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