Choosing a daycare is one of the most important decisions a parent has to make. You have to choose a place with great standards of both care and nurturing to ensure your child’s development. Finding the best daycare can be challenging, especially for first-time parents or if you recently moved to a new town.
There is a lot to consider before choosing a daycare. Greenstein and Milbauer, personal injury lawyers, advise parents to do their due diligence before choosing a daycare. Daycares with negligent staff can lead to child injuries and even death.
Choosing a daycare could be one of the most important decisions of your life, you need to take your time and do your research. Here are some tips that you should consider before selecting a daycare facility.
What to Consider Before Choosing a Daycare
1. Convenience
Daycares should make your life more convenient. Which daycare works best for you depends on your schedule. This is especially true if you are committed to a fixed schedule with long hours. Choose a daycare that fits your daily schedule. Do not forget to ask about late pick ups.
The location of the day care should also be convenient for you. You can either decide to pick a daycare close to your place of work or close to home, depending on your preferences.
2. Curriculum and Structure
There are a variety of philosophies and curriculums available today. Do you want to focus on academics or the development of your child? You should be keen to choose a daycare facility that matches your expectations when it comes to learning.
It is also essential to consider the daycare structure. If you want your child to get more individual attention, ask about the ratio of staff to children. Make sure you are also aware of the programs and activities that the daycare provides. Consider whether your child will enjoy them.
3. Licensing and Certification
Daycares and day homes are required to be licensed and inspected by NACCRRA before they can accept children. Some agencies require regular inspections to ensure that the required standards are maintained.
You should also inquire if the daycare workers are certified. Most daycare centers require their workers to have certification and to regularly take courses to enhance their skills. Emergencies can happen at any time. Choosing a daycare with well-trained staff will put you at ease, knowing that your child is in good hands in case of an emergency.
4. Reputation
Do your research online or ask people who have used the daycare about their experience. Attorneys advise parents looking for daycare facilities to do their due diligence. Avoid daycares with a bad track record to safeguard the safety of your child.
Also, avoid daycares with high staff turnovers. This may be an indication of some internal problems within the daycare. High turnover can also negatively affect your child if the teachers are constantly changing. Having the same staff makes it easier for your child as it builds trust and makes learning easier.
5. First Impression
During your first in-person visit, make sure you get all the information you can about the daycare. Observe the environment and how welcoming the staff is. Do they have good interpersonal skills? Does the daycare provide a cheerful environment?
When it comes to your child, your gut feeling is never wrong. If you sense that something is wrong, it probably is.
Your Child Deserves the Best Care
Whether you choose a formal child-care center, in-home care, or family daycare, there are some basic things that are necessary for your child’s development. Do your research and trust your gut. Give your child the best because they deserve it.