What to look for in a Daycare
In today's society many parents work, therefore they need care for their children. Some may choose to bring someone into their home. Some may be lucky enough to have a family member care for their child. There all many choices available to parents. A registered Daycare is one choice that can become a wonderful experience for both parents and child.
When choosing a Daycare or Registered Dayhome for your child there are certain criteria that need to be met by the government. But what about your personal criteria? What should you look for? I have complied a list of the 10 most important things that should be in your Daycare.
1. Staff: make sure the staff ratio is compatible with the number of children in their care. The ratio should be 6 children to 1 adult.
2. Rooms: make sure that there are enough rooms for all ages of children. Certain groups should go together example, babies, toddlers, preschool, school aged.
3. Cleaniness: this is very important. Don't feel bad about asking to look around, ask about hygeine, food preparation and toileting.
4. Learning/Play: Depending on where you go and what kind of Daycare you choose, they may or may not be certified to teach young children. In saying this, your Daycare should have adults who play with or encourage play with children. Children need adults to model appropriate play and rich in language.
5. Schedules: It is very important to ask for a monthly schedule.
6. Policy: Ask what there policy is on visting, naps, pick up/drop off times, menu options especially food allergies.
7. Discipline: This can be a difficult topic, but a necessary one. Good Daycares use time outs, 123 Magic or another strategy.
8. Education: If you have a Daycare that is certified to teach, find out what type of Preschool activities they offer.
9. Outside: You may want to know how often your child will be outside playing. Do they have sufficient space,
and age appropriate toys.
10. Saftey: This may be the most important point to remember. Make sure the Daycare is up to date with all saftey regulations, and inspections.
Above all don't be afraid to ask questions, you are giving them your most precious possesion.
Denise Neville SPEA
When choosing a Daycare or Registered Dayhome for your child there are certain criteria that need to be met by the government. But what about your personal criteria? What should you look for? I have complied a list of the 10 most important things that should be in your Daycare.
1. Staff: make sure the staff ratio is compatible with the number of children in their care. The ratio should be 6 children to 1 adult.
2. Rooms: make sure that there are enough rooms for all ages of children. Certain groups should go together example, babies, toddlers, preschool, school aged.
3. Cleaniness: this is very important. Don't feel bad about asking to look around, ask about hygeine, food preparation and toileting.
4. Learning/Play: Depending on where you go and what kind of Daycare you choose, they may or may not be certified to teach young children. In saying this, your Daycare should have adults who play with or encourage play with children. Children need adults to model appropriate play and rich in language.
5. Schedules: It is very important to ask for a monthly schedule.
6. Policy: Ask what there policy is on visting, naps, pick up/drop off times, menu options especially food allergies.
7. Discipline: This can be a difficult topic, but a necessary one. Good Daycares use time outs, 123 Magic or another strategy.
8. Education: If you have a Daycare that is certified to teach, find out what type of Preschool activities they offer.
9. Outside: You may want to know how often your child will be outside playing. Do they have sufficient space,
and age appropriate toys.
10. Saftey: This may be the most important point to remember. Make sure the Daycare is up to date with all saftey regulations, and inspections.
Above all don't be afraid to ask questions, you are giving them your most precious possesion.
Denise Neville SPEA
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