Choosing the right caretaker for your child can be a challenge. It is also among the most important tasks you will ever undertake.
As a parent, you know that you play the most important role in the life of your child, but the relationship that arises between the child and their caregivers will affect the self image of a child, as well as their security and their overall growth.
It is as important to the parent as it is to the child to know that the caregiver gives their child warmth, responsive care, and feelings of security and well being.
When choosing child care, it is important to note the most often, a day care center will be far superior to the single babysitter who cares for a child in the home. Day care centers can provide a better caregiver to child ratio, are licensed by the state in which they operate and very often have an outstanding curriculum that will offer your child excellent growth potential and quality learning experiences.
Among the questions that you will want to ask of potential caregivers for your child, whether you are selecting a single care provider in your home or a licensed day care center are these:
What kind of education and experience in childcare does the prospect bring with them?–Most child care experts believe that ongoing training and experience in childcare, as well as safety and first aid training are imperative when caring for any child.
How many children does the caregiver or facility handle and what is the child to caregiver ratio?-A large number of children per caregiver means that your child will not receive the individual attention that they need and deserve.
Does the caregiver or day care center plan activities through the day for attending children? There should be structure in a childcare center that provides for the learning and development of the child. Whether a day care center or an individual provider, the child should be given new experiences and planned age-appropriate activities to help them to grow.
Are parents permitted to visit the child care center?
If you are required to make an appointment to visit the child care center or the childcare giver during the day, then do so, but it’s also not a bad idea to pop in unannounced and ask to view the childcare center in action. Once your child is enrolled in the daycare or childcare center, an unannounced visit is not at all out of the question and should be welcomed by the staff. Things to look for when you visit the child care center unannounced are high levels of noise, children who are crying or obviously unhappy, children who are obviously aimless and not engaged in play activities.
Once you have reviewed the daycare center or childcare centers you are considering, it’s far easier to make a short list. One thing that we often fail to do is to take into account our children’s perception of the caregivers and the child care center. Ask your child what they think and feel about the places they visit with you. Taking their opinion into account will help your child to feel that you care about their feelings and that you want them to be comfortable.
By: Jeanie A Smith
About the Author:
Jeanie A Smith–Founder and president of Kids Incorporated began as a teacher in the public school systems in Mesa, Arizona. She has served as head teacher as well as skills specialist for schools in Arizona, as well as having been involved in the planning and the opening of three new schools in Mesa area school district.
Ms Smith graduated from Arizona State University with a BA in Elementary Education and consequently pursued and attained her Masters degree in education. Having trained extensively in elementary education, Jeanie Smith is among the most qualified of child care administrators in the state. Her skills and expertise have brought Kids Incorporated Learning Centers to the forefront of Phoenix child care and earned Ms Smith applause from educators everywhere. You can contact her through her website at http://KidsIncChildCareofAZ.com
