Finding a good daycare facility for your toddler can be tough. After all, there is at least one part of you that doesn’t want to leave them in the first place.
The thing is, not all child care facilities are alike, so you’ll need to do a little research on all of the ones that catch your attention. This is a little easier now because you can start your research online, and it will save you a lot of time. Of course, there are tips you can use to increase the likelihood of finding the perfect daycare facility, and they include the following:
- Always Visit in Person
It doesn’t matter what the facility “looks” like online because you have to meet the staff in person to determine if the facility is right for your child. When you visit in person, you can see how the teachers interact with all of the toddlers in their care, and you’ll be able to establish a rapport with them yourselves. In addition, you can take note of the things that are important to you, such as the cleanliness of the place and how structured the kids’ time is.
- Ask About Accreditation and Licensing
All child care facilities, regardless of where they are located, are required to be licensed and accredited. While most of them abide by the rules, some of them do not. This is why you need to check out this information, even if you have a good feeling about the facility when you visit it. Most governments have this information someplace, usually online, so a quick Internet search should tell you exactly where to locate it.
- Find Out How Easy It Is to Communicate with Teachers
Your child’s teacher should be easy to get in touch with at any time during the day. Ask the teachers this question when you interview them. Do they call or text you if something is wrong with your child? Do they respond quickly to questions that you send to them? Even better, do they send you pics of your child during the day so you can feel better about being away from them? All of these things are important because the more they get in touch with you, the better you’ll feel about leaving your child there.
- Ask About Their Curriculum for Your Child’s Age Range
Daycare facilities usually have classes for toddlers and kids of all ages, and it should be easy to determine exactly what they teach each age group. They should have a structured curriculum that still allows for some flexibility, and you should feel comfortable asking them exactly what your child will be learning. The younger the child, the more they’ll teach just basic skills, but they’re all important if you want your child to consistently learn while at the facility.
- Ask About Cleanliness and Safety Precautions
The child care facility you choose should have certain protocols they follow to make sure the facility is always clean and therefore safe for all of the children in attendance. Ask about those protocols. This is especially important right now because we are still in a COVID-19 world. Toddlers who aren’t walking yet and still crawling should be able to crawl on a germ-free floor that has been cleaned regularly and is, therefore, safe.
- Do They Get Outside Time?
Kids need fresh air, and all daycare facilities should allow children time outdoors every single day. Many facilities take the kids outside 2–3 times per day, which is something the children look forward to every day. Make sure they get plenty of time outside so they can play, relax, and use up some of the energy that kids always naturally have.
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- 6 Reasons Why Every Childcare Center Must-Have Childcare Compliance
- 5 Ways to Save Money On Childcare & Other Kid Costs
- 5 Best Ways to Smoothly Transition Into Childcare
- Everything You Need to Know About Childcare — But are Afraid to Ask
- 5 Steps To Choosing A Daycare For Your Child
