Choosing A Good Day Care For Your Child

It’s time for you to wonder back into the world of the working parent and know you’re concerned about the care of your child, and justifiably so. There are many things to consider. Here are some tips to help in choosing a good day care for your child.

Whether you are planning to put your child in a commercially ran day care center or in the care of someone in their home you need to check carefully, and ask lots of questions.

Start by looking over the facilities carefully. Are they clean, are they safe, are they child proof? Does it feel relaxed and comfortable. Does there appear to be plenty of activity centers for the children? Have a really good look. Don’t be embarrassed to snoop. Even check the fridge to see what kind of snacks or juice is hiding in there.

Watch for things like poison and ambulance numbers clearly posted at all telephones. Check the playground equipment and note the type of surface. Look for smoke alarms and fire exits. Note the type of heating. Space heaters can be dangerous. Watch for baby gates, and check that cleaning solutions are locked up or well out of the reach of the most creative child.

Next you need to get references. Don’t just use the references provided by the day care. Ask for a list of past attendants, say from a year ago. Look some of them up and give them a call. Explain why your phoning, and most parents will be more than happy to share their experiences.

You need to find out what the child to staff ratio is. In other words how many children is one staff member responsible for. The fewer children per staff member the better for your child. Both for safety reasons and for interaction.

A ratio of 4 to 8 children to one staff is acceptable. A ratio of 10 to 14 to one staff is a little high. You should also find out if the older and younger children are separated. If they are, for older children the ration of 10 to 14 to one staff may be acceptable.

There are other advantages to separating younger and older children. The risk or spreading infection is also reduced. Younger children normally pick up different illnesses than older children. By keeping the children somewhat segregated you reduce the chance of spreading disease.

If your child is an infant you need to pay even more attention because infants are at the highest risk. You want a very low ratio for infants, and you want to make sure that all infant equipment including cribs, change tables, and infant seat are safe and meet all government regulations.

You’ll also want to find out the day care’s policies. For example how do they discipline, are vaccinations required, are you allowed to send foods with your child, how are medications handled, or any other concern you might have. If they have a written copy of their policies be sure to get one.

You will also need to find out how the day care handles sickness. Are you able to bring a non contagious child to the day care? Do they notify if there is an illness going through the day care? Do they have a nurse or doctor in the facility, how is medicine given, and what is the procedure if a child gets hurt at the day care. You’ll also want to find out if all child care workers hold a valid first aid certificate.

Ask what type of training the staff has. Are they trained in child development. Are they certified in child care. Do they have any special training in preventing injury or illness.

Once you’ve chosen a day care and your child starts attending, make surprise unannounced visits at different times. Touch base with other parents so that you have a net work of contacts.

If your child is old enough to converse with you the most important thing you can do is to have a relaxed conversation with your child each day when you pick them up at day care. Let them share the trials and tribulations, the happy and the sad, and listen carefully to what they are saying. They hold the answers to their well being.

Watch for signs of trouble. Your child comes home quite and withdrawn. They have unexplained bruises or marks. Your child tells you constantly they are not happy. These are signs that need to be taken seriously.

You also need to watch for staff that are unwilling to answer questions or address your concerns, or staff that is evasive. Watch for high staff turn over and note other parent’s complaints. If you suspect a problem contact your local child care governing agency, and don’t put it off!

Day care can be a healthy and rewarding time for your child, offering new opportunities, new horizons, and new friends. There are plenty of excellent day care facilities being ran all around the country, and only a few low quality facilities but you need to be diligent and pay attention. Your child’s safety and happiness depends on it.

With a good day care your child will look forward to their new and growing environment with enthusiasm and joy and you can return to work without feeling guilty about leaving your child for the day. It’s a win win!

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