Finding the Right Child Care
Questions to Ask Potential Providers
For most people, finding a good reputable child care center for their children is one of the hardest things that they will ever have to do. This task can be very overwhelming for new parents who may not know what to look for in a center or where to find information about quality centers. It is a tough task for any parent to find a center to trust with your child while you work for 8 or 9 hours a day. This process requires a lot of research and careful consideration in order to find the right center for your family and children.
Begin by asking yourself questions to find out what is important to you in a center. Does it need to be close to home or close to work? Do you want your child in a large or small group? Do you need a full day program? These are the needs of your family that need to be met by the center. After establishing what you are looking for, it takes research to locate centers that you would potentially like to consider. Using resources like your state licensing department or the National Association for the Education of Young Children can help narrow your list. It is always a good idea to call the center and ask preliminary questions and discuss your needs. If you have a good feeling about a center on the phone, make sure to write that down so that you can remember to call and schedule a visit with your child. It is that first initial, or gut, feeling that is important.
During your visit there are key topics, questions and areas to cover with the Director. Remember that first initial feeling or “going with your gut”? How do you feel upon entering the center? Is it warm and friendly? Is there an entry security system? Is it loud? While meeting with the Director, be sure to ask questions about the programs they offer. It is important for a center to have a clear mission statement and philosophy. You will be able to tell right away if this is not the center for you!
Curriculum is also an important topic. Will your child learn here? It is important to pick a center that helps your child grow and learn while also having fun. The content of the curriculum that is used can also be a deciding factor. Is there time for large and small group activities? Or time for the children to be active? Do the teachers encourage the children to explore and discover? These are all important questions to ask on your visit. Covering things like the centers discipline policy, daily routines, and teacher expectations are also important. You will want to make sure that these are consistent with your ideas and needs.
While walking through the center there are a few things to look for. First thing is cleanliness. Is the center clean, well lit and ventilated? There should also be policies on how often items within the center are cleaned. Second are the teachers. Are they interacting with the children? Do they encourage the children’s interests? Are they cheerful and patient? You will be able to tell just by observing in a classroom for a few minutes your feelings about the teachers. And finally, the children! Do they appear happy and relaxed? Are they engaged in meaningful play? Are there a wide variety of materials for them and are they easily accessible? You can ask yourself, “Can I imagine my child here?” Again, that gut feeling comes into play.
At the end of your visit it can be helpful to ask for parent references. Past and present parents of the center can give honest opinions and offer helpful information when you are trying to make your final decision. After visiting all the centers that you are considering, it is time to think about which center made you feel good. The center that left you with a good feeling is generally the right choice. It will give you peace of mind knowing that your child is in an environment that is safe and nurturing. Once you decide on a center, all that is left to do is enroll your child! You will want to contact the center and find out registration fees and deposits that are needed for your child to begin attending the center. Once all the paperwork and tuition is in place, take a deep breath! You can relax and enjoy the time with your child before returning to work knowing that you have made the best decision for you, your family and your child.