There are many child care provider options, but do you know what exactly you’re looking for? A child care center has numerous benefits for you and your child. This is where your child’s development is nourished as care providers give your little one a chance to engage in social and educational activities. It provides a rock-solid foundation for academic achievement, preparing your child for school.
As for you, the parent, sending your child to a high-quality child care provider gives you a chance to take part in other equally important activities.
You and your child will gain so much from a child care provider, but you have to be discerning. Daycare options abound. Here are some signs of a great child care provider:
- Trained Caregivers Who Care For Your Child
The people who care for your child are the ones who can make or break a daycare. Make sure that the child care workers of your chosen center have the basic certifications. They should have degrees related to child care development or be in the process of acquiring one. Ask if they are trained in CPR and other emergency procedures. This is to ensure your child’s safety.
If you can, observe them as well. Listen and take note of how the teachers and caregivers interact with children. Body language reveals a lot, so if they are talking respectfully to a child at the child’s eye level, you know you’re dealing with reliable professionals.
- An Environment That Is Stimulating For Your Child
Don’t underestimate the power of first impressions. You will feel it the first time you walk through the door.
Examine if the space is clean and vibrant for your child to learn and have fun in. If it feels welcoming and homelike, you are in the right place. Make sure that the child care provider has age-appropriate environments for each stage. For the younger ones, they need to have plenty of room to crawl. If you have older kids, see if there are desks or tables for arts and crafts.
Another way to find out if a child care provider is the one you’ve been looking for is to observe the children. Are they happy as they work on their activities and projects? Is the child care provider displaying what the children are learning and doing? If so, that’s a good sign. It means that the provider values the children’s ideas.
- A Space That Is Safe And Childproof
Check if your prospective child care provider does everything to ensure your child’s safety. Here’s a list of things you should look out for:
- Food safety practices
- Well-maintained play space
- Covers on outlets
- Window blind pull strings are out of reach
- Toys that are constantly cleaned and in good condition
- No small objects that can pose as a choking hazard
- Constant supervision from child care workers
Looking for a trustworthy child care provider isn’t easy. It requires a lot of research and planning on your part. But don’t worry—Little Steps Daycare has everything listed above and so much more. Give your child the care they need by sending them to Little Steps Daycare. Call us today to learn more about our programs.