It is difficult to leave your child in the care of someone else, but often it is necessary. Investigating various centers will help you choose the one that is best for your child, the website Kids Health says. As you check out the day-care centers, take along a list of questions for the directors and child-care providers.
Does the Day-Care Have a Current License?
Quality day-care centers are licensed by the state where you live. Linda H. Connell, author of "The Childcare Answer Book," reports that this is one of the most important questions you can ask. A licensed day-care is monitored and inspected. Connell also recommends that you check with the licensing agency yourself before you enroll your child.
What is the Staff-to-Child Ratio?
Day-care centers cannot offer one-on-one child care. But an appropriate staff-to-child ratio is important, because it gives you an assurance that your child will be cared for. Connell writes that lower staff-to-child ratios ensure more quality care for your child. Each state has specific regulations guiding staff-to-child ratios, and knowing what they are will help you choose the best center for your child, says Connell.
Is the Staff Experienced and Educated?
Different day-care centers have different qualifications for staff, according to Connell. Some day-care centers may not require any education or experience, while others may require extensive education and experience. Kids Health encourages you to make a list of the qualifications you want in a day-care center. The best centers employ directors who have early childhood training and teachers who have some college credits in early childhood or experience working with young children, writes Connell.
What Safety Precautions Do You Take?
Roger W. Harms, author of "Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy," recommends that you find out whether the centers you are considering meet state and local standards for safety. You may also want to observe the kinds of toys each day-care center provides to make sure they are age appropriate and safe for playing. Also check out the equipment, such as cribs.
References
- Kids Health: Choosing Child Care
- "The Childcare Answer Book"; Linda H. Connell; 2005
- "Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy"; Roger W. Harms; 2004
