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Guidelines For Finding Quality Childcare
by Luca Jenkin
http://www.flexichilcare.com
The decision to work and put your child in daycare is often
not a choice for many people. In today's culture, a
double-income family is a necessity, not an option. This
option is also out of the question for most single parents.
For this reason, it can feel quite anxious to match your
child with a daycare provider or center that perfectly
accommodates your child's needs. As daunting as this
sounds, it can be done if you follow a few helpful
guidelines.
1. Don't jump at the first place you look. As exhausting
of a process it can be to look for a fitting childcare,
quick decisions may leave you looking quickly for better
solution. If you feel forced to quickly decide, this should
set off a "red flag" that perhaps that place is not right
for you and definitely not for child. Advise from friends
and relatives about places might not help either - only you
really know what childcare is right for your child. A state
licensed provider or facility should always top your list.
You may be able to get a list of reputable day care
providers from a local non-profit organization that is
dedicated to child welfare. Some day care centers may
simply be located from phone book or internet advertising.
Once you have identified potential day care providers, you
can start visiting them in person. You will need to ask
some of the following questions.
3. A big indication that a daycare is child-oriented rather
than profit-oriented is to ask the adult staff-to-child
ratio. This ratio should be different for each age group.
The recommended ratios are 1:4 for babies and 1:10 for ages
5 and under. Think about the effect that the ratio will
have on your child's individual need for attention and
socialization. Just imagine how much chaos would result if
your 3-year-old child was one of 30 with only three adults
in the room!
It is important to know the caregiver's background in child
care. Many technical schools offer certificates in child
care and development. States also have licensing programs.
Similar to training, ask if the day care center has been
accredited by any state or national organization. This
means that the center meets the quality criteria of that
organization and voluntarily opens its doors to inspection.
5. Staff turnover rate is either another big red flag that
something is amiss at that daycare center or a sign that
adults enjoy working there and with the children. When
children aren't exposed to new teacher after new teacher,
they tend to bond easier and feel more secure about being
left in that environment.
Finding the right place for your child to spend much of his
day outside your home can feel a little anxious for you and
the child. So, don't try to rush into a quick decision. If
you give yourself a few days to review a contract or think
about one provider or daycare center more than another, then
you and your child are increasing your chance for success.
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