9 Things to Consider When Choosing the Right Childcare for Your Family
Introducing your little darling to a new environment and new people isn’t the easiest thing to do for a parent. This is why finalizing a childcare center requires a good deal of research.
You want to know their safety standards, licenses and accreditation, curriculum, staffing situation, health and wellness policies, and above all—how well they’ll manage to keep your baby happy, engaged, and safe.
Here, we outline nine vital things to look for when picking the right childcare for your family.
Licenses and Accreditation
Although a state license isn’t enough to guarantee your little one will be well cared for, it does improve your odds of choosing a provider that meets all safety and health standards that the government requires.
To assess your state’s licensing requirements, visit the National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care and Early Education and Child Care Aware of America.
Do your own research by reading the program’s philosophies and history, look for any state inspection reports, and hunt for online reviews.
Most high-quality centers are accredited by bodies such as the NAEYC (National Association for Education of Young Children).
Aside from checking licenses and accreditations, ask questions such as: How long has the childcare been in business?
How many children is the center licensed to accommodate? Is there a waiting list? Does the center follow the state-mandated teacher-to-children ratio?
Safety and Security
Safety and security are a top priority when it comes to finalizing a daycare center. If you notice even the minutest signs of safety concerns, chances are, they haven’t been resolved for a while, and many more issues are hiding in the dark.
Don’t hesitate to ask tons of questions to ensure the center takes its safety standards seriously. Ask about safe sleep practices for babies, emergency policies, childproofing of outdoor and indoor play areas, and the condition of equipment and toys.
Are children left unattended at any time of the day? Do only authorized personnel have access to the center? Who may pick your child? Are there emergency plans for natural disasters?
Curriculum
The time your little one is going to spend at the childcare will contribute to a lifetime foundation of learning. Pay special attention to the curriculum each center has to offer.
Ask them how they plan to prep children for school. Analyze the advantages of a chosen curriculum. Finally, compare multiple curriculums to determine which one would benefit your child the most.
Location and Convenience
Those busy morning communities can feel a lot less stressful if you find a childcare center that’s close by, super-accessible, and has lots of parking.
Ask questions like: Is the area well lit? Is the location safe? How do the walkways and sidewalks look during not-so-good weather?
Staffing + Teacher-to-Child Ratio
Pay special attention to the teacher-to-child ratios to ensure your child receives plenty of attention. When a staff member manages fewer children, your child will receive increased one-on-one care.
If the number of children in the program seems overwhelming, chances are your child will feel the same. Consider this as a sign to navigate other centers.
Check the qualifications of caregivers and teachers. Are they friendly and warm? Do they meet minimum educational qualifications such as a two-year degree in child development (or related field)?
Do caregivers receive ongoing training for childcare best practices? Does the staff hold CPR and first aid certifications? How does the center screen their caregivers?
What are the staff turnover rates? Low staff turnover rates would mean your child’s caregivers receive good benefits and offer their best services. Finally, know which caregivers will be looking after your child.
Health and Wellness
Good childcare centers have good health and wellness policies. For instance, they only allow a child to return after they’re symptom-free for at least 24 hours. This enables them to maintain the health and well-being of other kids enrolled.
If your childcare center requires your child to stay out when they’re sick, remember that it’s for the wellbeing of the entire group (they will do the same to protect YOUR child).
During times of illness, ask the center about tuition and payment expectations.
To double-check the safety of your child, ask questions such as: how will I be notified if the center is experiencing a contagious illness? Must all children be immunized before they enroll?
What happens when my child catches an illness while in the center? What measures is the childcare taking to limit the spread of illness? What policies surround the administration of medication?
Food and Supplies
Although healthcare centers are packed with fun toys and basic art paraphernalia, parents must usually provide specific things their child needs.
Get all the info about what you’re required to supply so your child receives the best care. For instance, your child must have additional clothes available in case of accidents or boots and mittens for outdoor activities.
If you’re expected to provide lunch, ask if you should be following a nutritional guide. If the program provides healthy meals and snacks, request a sample menu and disclose any food allergies your child may have.
Ask how often the menu changes. If you’re enrolling your infant, ask how they store formula or breastmilk.
Cost and Other Policies
The best childcare centers implement rules and regulations that their licensing or accrediting agencies enforce. This enables them to maximize the safety of children while offering the best possible care.
Some common policies to pay attention to include payment policies, pickup and drop-off times, daily operating hours, and policies when children are too ill to attend.
To get a clearer payment picture, ask questions such as: What are the fees? How do they bill parents? When’s the payment due? Are there any scholarships or sibling discounts?
Will there be late pick-up fees? Do parents have to pay if the child is absent due to vacation or illness? What are the drop-off and pick-up policies? Is the center closed during specific holidays?
Reviews and Recommendations
Narrow down your choices by going online and looking for information about programs in your area. Listen to what other parents are saying about centers you’ve shortlisted.
Look for reviews on Google and social media, aside from testimonials on the childcare’s website.
Other rich resources include recommendations from your friends and family. Find out where your circle takes their kids. What do they like or dislike about centers their children are enrolled in?
A Final Word
Now that you’ve done your homework for finding the best childcare center for your little one, it’s time to start shortlisting programs that meet all the requirements outlined above.
Before you finalize the center though, consider dropping by unannounced to see a clearer picture of what their day-to-day operations look like when the staff hasn’t been prepped.
This visit should show you happy babies, in clean and spacious rooms under the alert supervision of staff members who are genuinely caring and attentive.
Author Bio:
Emily Correa, the Marketing Director at Jackrabbit Technologies, combines her passion for child development with her unique business insights. With a degree in Early Childhood Education and over 15 years in the field, she’s at the forefront of marketing innovative software that supports child-focused services. Emily’s dedication to family and community is evident in everything she does, making her a reliable advisor for parents exploring childcare options.
