28,  How to Choose the Best Daycare For Your Child

4/9/2021

What is a quality child care? How do you pick a good caregiver? Which child care center is good for your child?

Choosing a child care program is one of the most important and difficult decisions you will make. When you look for child care, you want one open when you need it and within your budget. Most importantly, you need a child care program that makes sure your child is safe, healthy, and have happy learning. Today let's talk about how to choose the best child care program.

Early start. Research as early as you can. No matter what type of child care program you are looking for, it takes time. Generally, most programs always have a long waiting list, make a phone call to the local Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) department is always a good choice. CCR&R agency can give you information about child care in your location or a list of child care options that may meet your needs.

Choose the right type of child care program. There are two majority types of child care, child care center, and in-home child care. Child care centers are usually located in commercial areas. They usually have enriching activities such as soccer, dance, music, or foreign language classes within their programs. They can offer opportunities for your child to consistently socialize with other children and caregivers.

Meanwhile, in-home child care, also known as family child care, caregivers take care limited number of children in their own place. In-home child care is more similar to home-environment. It has a closer teacher-to-child bond; Fewer cases of illnesses. In-home child care is a mixed age group, and it allows more sibling interaction. Their caregivers to children ratio is another add-on credit.

It is important to understand child care centers’ program philosophy. Usually, child care programs’ philosophy and their own curriculums are binding. Some of them focus on academic achievement, others tend on children’s individualized pattern and timing of growth, or work to develop on caring, respect, and responsive relationship. Surfing online or call centers directly to get more detail of their programs’ philosophy. Schedule a tour of your program to solidify your decision.

Check the environment, try to avoid the location in a crowded area such as a shopping plaza or side by the main street. Be careful with all potential risks or harms around, for example, there might be a car wash right across the street. The dust and chemical powder could get inside your child’s lungs while he/she inhales. While you tour inside the program, ask the staff training on child development. Do they have a primary caregiver for your child? Are the ratios and group size appropriate for your child’s age? Are the current caregivers and children have a good interaction?

Most importantly, would your child feel good about staying there? Would you disburden to leave your child there? Trust your intuition!

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