Choosing a daycare center for your child is one of the most important choices you can make as a working parent (or children). Many factors impact this decision. Starting with a checklist is always a good idea. Create a wish list of programmes and resources you’d like to see available, and prioritise the list.

While cost is relevant, it should not be the deciding factor. Many parents have minimal financial resources to commit to child care, but there are other essential factors to consider before cost. When all of the considerations are considered, the most expensive center may not be your best option, and the cheapest center may be your poor choice.

List of Wishes

Would your child (children) need full-time or part-time care, or, in the case of school-aged children, before and after school care? Are you looking for a center that caters to infants and young children, or would a multi-age center better fit your needs, allowing your child to socialise with children of various ages? What sorts of shows and games do you think your child would enjoy?

When deciding between two centers that are otherwise similarly valued, your commuting time can be a big factor. Will you have the stamina to spend quality time with your child once you get home if the drive is long?

Before you begin calling daycares or conducting an online search, make a list of some of the most important factors to consider – some of the basics to look for when you begin your visits to potential centers.

Please make a list of some of the things you know your child enjoys, and spend some time considering what programmes or activities could help your budding Einstein or Isadore Duncan reach their full potential, as well as grow in other areas.

Do you have a musically inclined child? Do you want to make a drawing? Do you have a child who spends hours building intricate structures or prefers to create things only to ruin them later? Well, most kids grow out of it, but while it lasts, it’s a lot of fun, if not difficult.

When you have everything written down, it is much easier to see your goals and equate them to what the different centers have to offer.

The numerous options can sound appealing, but first and foremost, make sure you can check off your basic requirements. Then you’ll be able to properly assess where you might need to compromise.

Certification and Licensing

Before they can accept children, most reputable daycare facilities, including day homes, must be certified and inspected. To ensure that their requirements are met, some organisations require ongoing inspections.

• Is the daycare center you’re considering the new licence on display?

The licence of a facility must be displayed prominently in certain states, provinces, and licencing bodies, normally in the office or living room.

If you don’t see a licence, ask; if the manager or owner deny to show you the licence, contact the licencing authority of your area.

• Employees at several centers are required to be accredited and/or take classes to develop or upgrade their skills. Take a glance at the certificates that are often displayed in the center’s common area or office, and note the licencing authority. You can also check with the local licencing authority to see what qualifications are required to work in daycare centers or day homes.
• Most daycare centers mandate that at least one employee with First Aid credentials be present at all times. Day care centers will help their employees keep their certificates up to date. Some licencing bodies do not mandate this, so make sure you know what your area’s criteria are.

Summing-up

Both parents are working in today’s world, which necessitates the use of appropriate preschools like Southwood Learning for their children. The first few years of a child’s life are crucial for his or her development and growth. It is imperative to choose a good child daycare facility.