The decision to enroll your precious little one in child care is never taken lightly. Although you may hear tidbits on centers from other moms, read up on the local programs or even know a staff member or two at the local preschool, it can be difficult to feel safe and secure in your final choice.
Choosing the ‘right’ program or arrangement can make the difference between your child’s safety and happiness (as well as your own peace of mind) and an outright educational disaster. Whether you are a first or fourth time parent, there are some simple things to look for when making your selection.
Look for an Arrangement that Meets Your Family’s Needs
While daycare centers and preschools may be the most prevalent forms of child care, your work or family situation may not call for such as full time arrangement. Whether you are a work at home mom looking for a little extra help or simply need a day to yourself here or there, an occasional or flexible child care arrangement may be the perfect match.
These include:
- neighborhood babysitters
- relative or family friend care
- summer or holiday camps
- neighborhood care exchanges with other moms
Ask About Licensing and Accreditation
If daycare or a center based program is the route you choose, look to see if the school is accredited, licensed or approved. Licensing requirements will vary by state, but include standards that range from adult-child ratios to staff educational and experiential requirements or even allowable room sizes. These standards aim to keep your child safe and give her the most caring environment.
Licensing is a must for the legal operation of most centers, but accreditation is not. The main accreditation agency in the U.S. is the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Choosing a NAEYC accredited school means that you child will:
- Engage daily in developmentally appropriate activities that foster growth in all areas such as cognitive, social, emotional and physical development.
- Be treated as unique and individual in respect to his learning and developmental abilities.
- Be respected for her cultural and/or social background.
- Have professional early childhood educators who have training and expertise working with young children.
- Have a safe physical environment.
- Build caring relationships with the center staff and other children.
Ask Other Parents
Been there, done that. That is the motto of many a parent. Why start your search from scratch when your best friend or insightful neighbor has already put three kids through various preschool programs?
Ask your friends, relatives, moms on the block, co-workers or anyone who will listen where their kids went.
Instead of asking for generalizations such as, “Was the center good?” “Did you like the teachers?" or “What are your thoughts on the programs?” get specific and look for answers that match your needs. Ask about day-to-day experiences, what the parent saw or heard during drop off and pick up times, how the school really handled sick kids (even though the policy may say that a child can’t attend some centers won’t think twice before letting a strep infected toddler start a daycare plague) or if the teachers/workers were really available to answer their questions.
Visit the Center
You know what you are looking for, you’ve done your research, the school is accredited, and your neighbor just can’t stop glowing as she talks about the brilliant teachers and fabulous field trips that the local early childhood center has to offer. But, is this enough? Simply stated, no. You need to check it out for yourself.
Just like you knew that the ‘perfect date’ your cousin’s friend set you up with just was not the one, you can also get a feeling about a center on the very first meeting. Think of it as a blind date where you have heard some things, but need to make a decision for yourself. During your trip you will most likely talk to the center director, some staff members and take a brief tour. Come prepared with a list of questions that speak directly to your family’s needs and what kind of care you are looking for. Make sure to look for:
- smiling faces (on both children and staff)
- safe practices such as hand washing
- a safe, comfortable environment that is baby/child proofed and free from danger
- constant supervision
- a variety of age appropriate learning materials such as books and toys
Getting ready to place your little one in any child care arrangement takes time and planning. Find the right fit for your family as well as your child. Ask your potential sites for their accreditation credentials and take a tour before making your big decision.
Erica Loop - I am a mother and a professional Arts Educator, teaching visual arts programs to children ages three and up in both museum and school ...
