Modern American society is built on the concept of a two-income household. However, single parents also comprise a high percentage of our households. This means there are large numbers of parents in the workforce so childcare has become an important concern for many. A parent wants the best possible care for their child. As there is great variation in the quality of care offered by daycare centers, how does a parent or guardian determine which child care facility is sufficiently skilled to care for their child?
Your first decision should be, "I will not choose a daycare center in haste or under pressure!" Taking time to thoroughly investigate all the options available in your area and the pros and cons of each one with respect to your child and situation will pay great dividends in the long run. As you look at the child care alternatives of day care center, day care at someone else's home, or a dedicated child care worker in your home, there are two other factors you should take into consideration: it may be best to consider only state licensed day care providers; and your friend or co-worker's considered choice might not be the best one for your family.
Social Services can provide a list of reputable child care providers in your area, as can local non profit agencies, the phone book, or go online. Make appointments to visit those that sound most promising, armed with your list of questions. Nothing beats a visit and eye contact with those who will provide the care for your child.
A big indication that a daycare center is child oriented rather than profit oriented is to ask the adult staff to child ratio. This ratio should be different for each age group and the recommended ratios are as follows: 1:4 for babies; 1:6 for under 3s; 1:10 for the 3-5 age group. (Check your States laws as they can vary.) Think about the effect these ratios will have on your child's individual need for attention and socialization. Just imagine how much chaos could result if your 3-year-old was one of 30 with only three adults in the room!
You will want to understand if the care giver has appropriate qualifications, and something of her background and experience. Many technical schools offer certificates in child care and development. Ask if the center/care-giver is licensed under any of the State licensing programs, or accredited by the State or other national organization. This is an indication that the quality criteria of these organizations have been met and that the center voluntarily opens its doors to inspection.
The staff turnover rate is a significant indicator of a quality establishment. If quality staff enjoys working there, there is a high correlation that children will be happy too. When children are not constantly exposed to new teacher after new teacher, they can bond with the staff and feel secure about their environment.
Is there anything else that might be important? Will you be welcome to visit, unannounced at any time? Do you agree with the care giver's ideas on teaching and discipline, food, snacks, napping and toileting? Should it be near work or near home? Does it have a clean record with regards keeping the rules and dismissing members of staff who prove to be unsatisfactory?
These are only some things to look for. There are many useful internet sites from government to child safety sites that will give you more information should you need it. Try childcareaware.org/en childcareaware.org/en/ I wish you the peace that comes with finding the best care for your child. May God bless you in your search.
Copyright 2006 Luca Jenkin. All rights reserved. Luca Jenkin is the webmaster for Flexi Childcare [flexichildcare.com] which is a leading on-line source of childcare information for parents and carers on the internet. For more information visit his website here: [flexichildcare.com]
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