Putting your child in daycare can be a difficult decision. Sometimes there's so much guilt attached to parenthood that moms and dads are constantly wondering whether or not they are doing the right thing. The good news: rarely is there a universal "right thing." Usually, there's only the right thing for a specific situation and a specific family, and if daycare is the right resolution for your situation, then that's perfectly fine. To make the daycare selection process easier, below are a few tips:
Conduct unannounced visits to the daycares that pique your interest. In fact, make several of these surprise visits at different times of the day because that's a good way to gauge whether or not the facility has any hiccups you should be aware of. For example, let's say you visit during play time and the teachers are sitting together gossiping while the children play on their own, without an adult eye on their activities. That is information you'd want to know before you decide on a daycare.
Questions you can ask during your scheduled or unannounced visits, include:
Ask the Director the following two questions: (1) what's the number one complaint from parents (2) what's the number one reason parents pull their kids out of this daycare. The answers to those questions are important so don't be shy to ask.
Ask for references. Talk to at least one parent that has never complained, and to at least one parent who has complained within the last week. Getting an array of opinions is important.
Ask for the daycare's procedure on conducting employee background checks. You want to be sure you're leaving your kids in capable hands.
When you put your child in daycare, you can find comfort in numbers. For example, there are more adults. When you choose a childcare facility that has numerous staff members that may be a better alternative than selecting a "one person" show. The reason for this is because if there is something awry, and there is more than one adult present, there's a good chance the negative situation won't spiral out of control. Additionally, it's human nature for people do their jobs better when they're aware another adult is watching or nearby.
Besides there being more adults, there are more children as well. When your child has access to other children, they may develop quicker in some areas (ex: social skills, verbal skills, learning to share). As an added bonus, your child will make friends, and you can set up weekend play dates.
Conduct unannounced visits to the daycares that pique your interest. In fact, make several of these surprise visits at different times of the day because that's a good way to gauge whether or not the facility has any hiccups you should be aware of. For example, let's say you visit during play time and the teachers are sitting together gossiping while the children play on their own, without an adult eye on their activities. That is information you'd want to know before you decide on a daycare.
Questions you can ask during your scheduled or unannounced visits, include:
Ask the Director the following two questions: (1) what's the number one complaint from parents (2) what's the number one reason parents pull their kids out of this daycare. The answers to those questions are important so don't be shy to ask.
Ask for references. Talk to at least one parent that has never complained, and to at least one parent who has complained within the last week. Getting an array of opinions is important.
Ask for the daycare's procedure on conducting employee background checks. You want to be sure you're leaving your kids in capable hands.
When you put your child in daycare, you can find comfort in numbers. For example, there are more adults. When you choose a childcare facility that has numerous staff members that may be a better alternative than selecting a "one person" show. The reason for this is because if there is something awry, and there is more than one adult present, there's a good chance the negative situation won't spiral out of control. Additionally, it's human nature for people do their jobs better when they're aware another adult is watching or nearby.
Besides there being more adults, there are more children as well. When your child has access to other children, they may develop quicker in some areas (ex: social skills, verbal skills, learning to share). As an added bonus, your child will make friends, and you can set up weekend play dates.
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