3 Tips for Choosing the Right Daycare Program

Posted on: 26 February 2018

Becoming a parent changes you life, and most mothers and fathers want to make sure that their child is well taken care of during the day while they are at work. This means that choosing the right daycare program is a main priority for many people. There are a number of wonderful daycare centers with wonderful programs for children of all ages, from infants and toddlers to preschoolers and elementary age children who need after school care. If you are searching for a daycare for your child, use the following tips to help you find the right own:

Think About Licensing and Certification

Reputable daycare programs must be inspected and licensed by the state. This includes both daycare centers and in-home daycare programs. It is always in your best interest to select a daycare program that is licensed. An unlicensed daycare may offer lower rates, but you won't have the peace of mind of knowing that they are following all of the rules and regulations set forth by the state to ensure a child's safety.

In addition to a daycare program being licensed, also take the time to learn about certifications that the daycare staff may hold. It is a good idea to select a daycare center where all staff is first aid certified. In addition, there are many other certifications available that can help daycare workers enhance their skills when working with children—a daycare program whose staff holds multiple certifications is likely to take the care of a child seriously.

First Impressions

First impressions are important, and you should pay attention to your first impressions when touring potential daycare programs. A daycare does not need to be fancy to be a great place for your child, but it should be very clean and the individual rooms should be appropriate for the age of the children in that class. Observe carefully to see how the staff interacts with the children and pay attention to how problems or issues are resolved.

Meals and Snacks

When a child is old enough to consume solid foods, he or she will need to be fed while at daycare. Make sure you know whether you are responsible for bringing snacks and meals or whether they are provided by the daycare. If your child has food allergies or dietary restrictions, make sure that you ask the right questions to ensure that his or her needs can be accommodated. 

Share