Try to allow yourself up to three/four months to find day care you can be happy with. Trust your instincts, visit many facilities, and always check references! Below are some questions to help you out.
- Programming
- Does the daily schedule allow for both active & quiet play?
- Are children encouraged to work alone as well as in small groups?
- Are there daily lesson plans with activities and objectives for the children?
- Do the children appear happy and engaged in purposeful play?
- Are the rooms equipped with age appropriate toys and materials?
- Are learning centers or play areas well defined?
- Do children have cubbies or places to keep their belongings from home?
- Policies & Operations
- Is their philosophy of care compatible with your own?
- Are there stimulating activities for different age groups?
- Are children grouped together in similar age brackets?
- Are parents encouraged to visit at anytime?
- Are there strict drop-off and pickup hours?
- Staffing
- Is the Director a degreed professional who inspires children?
- Are the staff trained in early childhod education?
- Does the staff appear to be interested in you and your child's needs?
- Are the staff involved with the children, not just directing their activities?
- How does the staff communicate about your child's progress?
- Is there low staff turnover?
- Health & Safety
- Is the Center licensed nd regularly monitored by your state regulatory agency?
- Are the toilet facilities clean and easily accessible?
- Are the food preparation and serving areas clean?
- Does the facility have an established emergency plan?
- Are children not released to anyone other than those who have written releases?
- Are children supervised at all times?
- Are staff trained in CPR & First Aid?
Facility Daycare Centers usually have larger groups (over 12) of children in attendance. One advantage of a daycare center is that it is a structured environment. Daycare Centers are also licensed and inspected by the state for health and safety. Most states require that staff members have training in early childhood development as well as health and safety and nutrition.
Family & Group Family Daycare takes place in your child care provider's home. The primary difference between Family and Group Family daycare is the number of children that are allowed to be in attendence at any given time. Family daycare providers are allowed up to six children - eight if they hold a plus license; and Group Family providers can have up to twelve. There is a smaller group of children than a daycare center which allows for more one-on-one attention.
Corporate Daycare is an option available to those lucky enough to work for companies sympathetic to family needs. Centers are often in the same building you work in, allowing you to pop in to say hello during your lunch hour or when you have a break in the day. If you work near a federal building, inquire about day care centers there.
Nannies or Au Pairs A nanny is a professional who will care for your child or children in or out of the home on a full-time, part-time, or temporary basis. Au Pairs are generally young adults from around the world join your family (live in your home) and care for your children during a mutually rewarding, year-long cultural exchange experience.
|
