First, we looked at Child Care Aware®, which is funded in part by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Their first tip is to start early in your search so that you can find the right place for your child. Questions you can ask when visiting child care facilities include the:
Meanwhile, the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) shares how a developmentally-appropriate program helps children aged three to five to learn. Elements of a developmentally-appropriate program include:
Overall, in these quality programs, teachers will “consider the strengths, interests, and needs, as well as the culture and home language, of each child in the group.”
Parents.com offers eight tips to choose the right day care. Number two suggests that you look for signs of an organized, well-thought-out day, because children feel safe with predictable and structured days. Do you see a posted lesson plan? Bulletin boards? Artwork from the children?
Also look for signs of engagement. No child, Parents.com points out, should be wandering, uncertain of what he or she should be doing next. If you visit a center, watch how the children react to your visit. Typically, in a good center, the shyer children will drift towards the teacher – with whom he or she feels safe – while the more outgoing ones will greet you.
Care.com shares red flags, which include signs of an unsafe environment. Do workers seem to be washing their hands frequently? If so, that’s great – and, if not, that might indicate a problem. Do you smell cigarette smoke? Are items laying around that children could trip over?
Also note communication styles and caregiver availability. Are you able to ask questions and/or share concerns with your child’s caregivers? How quickly can you schedule an appointment when needed? Does your child care center discourage you from dropping by, unannounced? If your intuition is telling you that something is off or if you struggle to get answers from your child care center, then that’s a major red flag.
Scholastic.com adds more red flags – including if the place regularly, um . . . smells. This is a telltale sign of poor hygiene or other cleanliness issues. If children seem to be crying too often – and especially if the caregivers don’t seem concerned – then that’s another warning sign. So does seeing your child involved in the same activities day after day. Although children do appreciate structure and predictability, they also need challenged – and repetition eventually turns into disinterest and boredom.
Horizon Education Centers provides affordable quality child care that includes educational and enrichment opportunities – and we’re here to answer your questions! Contact us at one of the following Northeast Ohio locations.