What to Look For In a Day Care Centre

Choosing a day care centre for your child is not a matter to be taken lightly. You need to collect as much information as possible about each centre you consider. Start by searching for possible centres in your area in the phone book or online. Ask friends, other parents, and local physicians for referrals. Make a list and call with some preliminary questions about licensure and staff training. After you've narrowed your list, make arrangements to visit those centres, and take your child with you. No matter how many specific questions you ask, notice your feelings when you're there, as well as how your child reacts to the place. Even if a centre meets with all of your requirements, if it doesn't feel positive to you, keep looking.

Think of it as detective work. The best day care centre will have staff that makes your child feel special, even when discipline is necessary. Of course, you will ask many questions of the staff, but also speak with parents whose children attend the centre. You will want to make a surprise visit to the centre to see the operation when they're not expecting you. If the centre owners refuse to allow you to make a surprise visit, mark it off your list.

If you want to keep a closer eye on the centre you choose, volunteer to help out one day a week. This will give you an up close and personal view of the care your child is receiving. If you can't volunteer at the centre, be sure to ask your child about her day EVERY day. If anything is amiss, your little one will probably inadvertently alert you.

Here are some of the most important questions you need to ask to make sure you choose the best day care for your child:

1. Is the facility licensed? What kind of training do they require of their staff? Is the staff required to study first aid? Do they have training in injury prevention? How long has each staff member been working at the centre? Frequent turnover is a warning sign!

2. What kind of safety measures are in place, such as soft surfaces under playground equipment? Do they have a fully-equipped first aid kit? Is there a fire escape plan with smoke and carbon monoxide detectors? Is the space child-proof, with any hazardous objects out of reach? Are there window guards and covers on the electrical outlets? Are there any sharp corners that children could run into?

3. How many children does each staff member care for? Of course, the fewer the better, especially for children who are shy. No staff member should be responsible for more than 8 young children.

4. What foods are served and when?

5. What does the centre do when a child becomes ill? Will they call you immediately? Do they have a separate area for sick children to wait until parents arrive to pick them up? What kind of vaccinations are required for a child to be admitted to day care?

6. How does the centre handle disciplinary matters? Are these policies clearly set forth in writing for the staff to follow? Are there too many or too few rules in place? Do you observe the staff treating the children kindly, with respect and positive reinforcement? Do staff members seem to genuinely enjoy the children?

7. Are the children separated by age groups? Keeping the younger and older children apart is better for many reasons. First of all, it's usually more enjoyable for the children. Secondly, it reduces discipline problems, and the younger children are less likely to be infected by the colds and flu brought by older children from school.

8. Does your child have to be potty trained in order to attend day care? How do they handle bathroom breaks and hand washing?

9. Are the toys and surfaces cleaned daily with disinfectant?

10. Is there a schedule of many varied activities for the children, and is the environment comfortable and attractive?

11. Do the children seem to be having a good time, and are they given individual attention by the staff?

Of course, there will also be practical logistical issues, such as the price of the centre, how far away it is from your home or work, and whether or not the centre's schedule is convenient for you. Don't rush making your decision. Make sure you plan ahead so that you have plenty of time –months or even a year – to search for the perfect centre. Some of the centres may have waiting lists, so you will want to make sure your favorite one is available when you need it.

Don't miss asking questions about the centre's ideology. If you're unsure of your child care philosophies, take some time to jot them down. What are your beliefs about discipline? Get clear about your beliefs, and write down questions to ask the centre about their philosophies on child raising and education. If their ideology is contrary to yours, look elsewhere!

The bottom line is that you should feel 100% comfortable leaving your child in the hands of the day care centre you choose. Putting your child in day care is a difficult decision, and your life will be much less stressful if you feel confident about your choice.

Tip of the Week: If your child has separation anxiety, make things easier by arriving at day care a few minutes early each time. Spend the time chatting with the staff with your child present and helping your little one get ready for her time in day care. This can include combing her hair, telling her how much you're looking forward to hearing about her day, or asking her to draw you a picture. Do whatever you can to make the transition from being with you to being without you easier for your child. But when it's time to say goodbye, say goodbye and leave. Long, drawn out goodbyes are actually harder for your little one. Ask the staff to distract her with a toy, and be on your way. Most children who cry when you depart don't cry for long.

I hope you enjoyed this article.