Merely asking a friend or picking up the phone. Or you may discover an advertisement in the local newspaper. But with daycare centers springing up like daisies, the choices are everywhere. But choosing the best day care provider to suit you don't have to be an insurmountable task. References from friends are still a great way to locate one that has been shown to be reputable. The internet is a excellent resource, you will find web websites posted by entrepreneurial daycare providers which will have info on their qualifications and licensing, etc. Nearby newspaper classifieds will have ads run by smaller family kind childcare providers, and your nearby chapter of CCR&R (Child Care Resource and Referral) is really a free service that provides counselors you can speak with who will help you in locating a childcare provider, based on your zip code.
After you determine what type of daycare you require, be it in-home, drop-in or full time daycare center supervision, there are many guidelines to follow. A checklist should include the following info, in addition to obtaining references and visiting the facility.
Does the provider or center have enough supervision; are the children supervised even when they're sleeping How many caregivers are there at all times (For babies, there should ideally be a two to one ratio.) Are the providers trained in first aid and rescue breathing Are the children within a caregiver's sight when they are with another caregiver Have the caregivers had background checks
Is the director and teachers qualified to run a daycare facility with bachelor's degrees in a child related field Has the staff worked in child care for at least one year (for teachers) or longer (two years for directors) Is the licensing up to date Does the staff show a genuine love for children or is this just a job
Is there a common bathroom available for older children to use to wash their hands, before and after toileting and before meals Are the diapering areas clean and the diapers disposed of in a proper manner Are the other children kept current on their immunizations and are these records available as proof Are toxic materials locked away and poison info posted Are medications kept safely unrealistic of children
There should be an emergency plan in place if a child gets hurt or lost; is there a first aid kit on the premises Do they practice fire drills and is there a program in place for disasters such as earthquake and tornado
Lastly, are the playgrounds and play areas kept clean and in good repair Is the sandbox clean, the playground surrounded by a fence Are the toys age-appropriate
This list may seem excessive at first, but checking out the the daycare center or family home can give you a quick overview of the surroundings, and the general questions you would ask would not make you the first parent to inquire of such. A concerned parent does whatever is necessary to ensure the safety and well being of their child, and sometimes it means giving the daycare provider what seems like the third degree.
After you determine what type of daycare you require, be it in-home, drop-in or full time daycare center supervision, there are many guidelines to follow. A checklist should include the following info, in addition to obtaining references and visiting the facility.
Does the provider or center have enough supervision; are the children supervised even when they're sleeping How many caregivers are there at all times (For babies, there should ideally be a two to one ratio.) Are the providers trained in first aid and rescue breathing Are the children within a caregiver's sight when they are with another caregiver Have the caregivers had background checks
Is the director and teachers qualified to run a daycare facility with bachelor's degrees in a child related field Has the staff worked in child care for at least one year (for teachers) or longer (two years for directors) Is the licensing up to date Does the staff show a genuine love for children or is this just a job
Is there a common bathroom available for older children to use to wash their hands, before and after toileting and before meals Are the diapering areas clean and the diapers disposed of in a proper manner Are the other children kept current on their immunizations and are these records available as proof Are toxic materials locked away and poison info posted Are medications kept safely unrealistic of children
There should be an emergency plan in place if a child gets hurt or lost; is there a first aid kit on the premises Do they practice fire drills and is there a program in place for disasters such as earthquake and tornado
Lastly, are the playgrounds and play areas kept clean and in good repair Is the sandbox clean, the playground surrounded by a fence Are the toys age-appropriate
This list may seem excessive at first, but checking out the the daycare center or family home can give you a quick overview of the surroundings, and the general questions you would ask would not make you the first parent to inquire of such. A concerned parent does whatever is necessary to ensure the safety and well being of their child, and sometimes it means giving the daycare provider what seems like the third degree.
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