Signs of a Quality Day Care

Parents want to ensure their child is in good hands, so they must select a quality day care provider. Taking the time to do an on-site visit for the appropriate facility can be time-consuming, but recognizing the attributes of a quality day care can make this task less complicated and benefit you and your child.

  1. Cleanliness and Safety

    • When you pull up to the building, examine the surroundings. Assess the parking lot for litter. Check the playground equipment to see if it is well-maintained and the area is properly secure. When you walk inside the building, check the work and play surfaces. You should not see any spills that could cause someone to fall on the floor or cleaning supplies that children can get easily get into. Look in bathrooms, baby changing stations, kitchens and classrooms to ensure they are clean. Check to see if these areas are furnished with proper hand-cleansing agents.

    Evaluate the Workers

    • Workers are an important indication of a quality day care, because a happy worker is a productive worker. If you felt welcomed when you come through the door, this is a good sign. Look to see if the workers are uniformed, which shows organization. Most day care providers require their attendants to wear scrubs. Make sure the workers are properly groomed. It may not be possible to be spotless all the time when dealing with kids.

    Verify Credentials

    • Day cares are required to post their child care license. A detailed emergency plan should also be posted. If you don't see one on a bulletin board when you come in, ask for it. You can also review credentials of the staff. Some day care providers require their instructors to have at least an associate's degree in early childhood education. According to Daycare.com, "don't dismiss the value of well-trained providers. They understand how children develop and are better able to meet their needs." Be sure all instructors are trained in first aid and infant/toddler CPR. Ensure that a history criminal background check is performed on all the staff.

    Review the Curriculum

    • All quality day care providers should have a curriculum. If your child is not school age, she still needs daily lessons that can help prepare her for kindergarten. Ask the day care providers if they follow one.

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