Choosing a daycare center can be scary for new parents, but taking enough time to properly research schools will help decision-making and ease worries. Pay attention to your inner voice, talk with other parents, and be completely comfortable with the center you choose. There are many checklists available to compare schools; the key components of them should be well considered.
Priorities
Identify your personal priorities. What hours will the children be attending? Is it more convenient to look for a center close to work, home or older children's schools? Would the child be more comfortable in a home setting where there are generally few children or a larger center with specific age groups and a detailed curriculum?
References
Ask local parents for references on child care, and also visit a local referral agency that can guide you towards accredited schools. Though the "Baby Center" advises finding centers accredited with either the National Association for the Education of Young Children or the National Association of Family Child Care, they also point out that "accreditation isn't everything."
Environment
Once you have a list of schools, drop in unexpectedly with and without the kids. Most centers welcome visitors without appointments because they know parents feel more comfortable when they can arrive without prior notice. Look for happy kids, clean and organized play areas, and clean restrooms. Visits are also a good time to ask other parents about their experiences at the school.
Staff
Talking to and observing the staff is another way to asses a day care center. Are they friendly and eager to answer questions? Note the child to staff ratio. "Family Doctor" reports the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation is one teacher for every three to five young kids, and one teacher for every seven to 10 older kids. Ask the director about staff training: Do they have degrees in education, and if not, what are the hiring requirements?
Curriculum
Most larger chains like La Petite have a nationwide curriculum that they must follow to maintain accreditation. Smaller, home-based day cares may also have a printed copy of the curriculum they follow; for kids ages three and up, the center should introduce them to the basics of reading, writing, math and art.
Policies
All day cares should have written policies on situations like illness and discipline. Most centers will not allow kids to attend when sick; this is a sign the center is serious about the health of children, and it prevents the spread of infection. Make sure their discipline styles matches well with your personal parenting agenda and that you are comfortable with theirs. Another good question to ask is if older kids are taken on field trips, who drives the bus and how many teachers go along? Do they make sure the kids wear seatbelts? How do they keep track of them at the destination?
Warning Signs
Things that should raise a red flag are staff members who are unfriendly or unwilling to answer multiple questions and spend time with you during your visit. If the teachers do not seem to be interacting with the kids or if they fail to provide written policies, it's probably best to move on to the next school. Kids need to establish consistency with loving caregivers, so the school of your choice should be nurturing as well as clean and safe.
