Working parents are often confused about how to make the correct decision about a good daycare. Once you have made the decision to send your child to a childcare center, family day care, or in-home care, you must start your search from that moment only – finding a good option will definitely take some time.
The right daycare may provide you with a sense of security while also fostering your child’s personal growth and development. And always go with your gut since a mother’s intuition is the best guide to finding the perfect daycare facility!
Tips On Finding The Right Daycare
Since your child will be spending a good time in the facility, ensure that there is a nice, warm atmosphere and a nurturing environment that will contribute positively to your child’s development. Believe in yourself and keep a few things in mind while searching for good daycare:
Decide Your Priorities
Do you want a daycare that is near your house or office or the one that has been suggested by friends? Is your child’s personality development on your list or do you just want him to be safe and have fun? Make a list of various questions like this and focus on your priority.
Search, Search, And Search
Get the contact details of various daycare centers. Gather information from references or websites. If you choose accredited centers in your city that would be the best. Opt for word-of-mouth publicity and also be open to change as and when you find a better option.
Visit, Ask, And Observe
Once you have your list ready, the next task is to visit these daycare centers to find out what facilities they have, and the kind of atmosphere your kid will have there. If your baby is too small, less than a year old, you will surely want more individual attention towards your baby. For this, you need to ask about the caregivers-to-child ratio in each center. You could also spy if you like!
Check For License
Do check whether the center is approved by the state government and whether it has got a license to operate or not. Also, make sure it has a sound security system. These days, especially in big cities, there are daycare centers that give you the option to watch live screenings of daycare centers on your computer. Anytime at your office or home, you can check out what is going on at the center.
Caregiver’s Qualification
A caregiver is a person with whom your child will be involved a lot. A skilled and qualified person can positively add to your child’s growth.
Ask For References
Take other parents’ references from the center and speak to them. If the daycare is good at its work, they won’t hesitate in giving numbers of their clients. It’s a good way to check them!
Basic Facilities
Though it is not required to mention but still check for all basic facilities which your child will need at the center like food, wash areas, play area, rest area, etc.
Take Your Child’s Input
If your kid is grown enough to speak to you, you must ask her/him about daily activities at the center. It helps to know about daycare activities as well as get closer to your child.
We are sure you have your own criteria also for choosing the right daycare for your child. It is also true that being a parent, you would know if something doesn’t feel right – trust your gut and look for other options if need be. So go ahead and find the best one for your little one!
FAQs
1. What Is The Best Age To Put A Baby In Daycare?
In the opinion of many professionals, 12 months is the perfect age to send a baby to daycare. Many professionals in the field of child care agree that nine months is the age at which separation anxiety is at its worst. However, they overlook the fact that every kid has a different personality and interacts with their surroundings in their own unique way. Concerning young children, there is no one standard indicator.
2. How Many Days Of Daycare In A Week Is Best?
Long-term advantages, such as an easier transition to school and better social development, are most evident for children who are enrolled in daycare for at least two to three days per week.
3. How Do You Know If Your Child Is Unhappy At Daycare?
Your child may be unhappy at daycare if he or she cries when you pick them up, changes in personality, doesn’t want to go into the building, or won’t eat. If you get a lot of calls from daycare about your child’s temper tantrums or other behavior problems, that can also be a sign.
