Top 5 things to look for when selecting a Daycare

Good child care offers your child healthy social and educational experiences under qualified supervision in a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment. Are you considering a home daycare for your child care needs? Do you have a facility visits scheduled? Here are our top 5 things to look for when selecting a Daycare!

1. Happy children and staff - are kids smiling and laughing? Does the staff seem engaged, energetic, and interested? This is a good sign, the staff is passionate about child care and children trust their providers.

2. Separation by age group - a quality daycare understands the changing developmental needs of children at different ages. So most have designated areas for safety as well as to specialize the activities and care given to each group.

3. Clean spaces and sanitary practices - look for food prep and diaper changing spaces kept separate. Surfaces and floors are wiped down and clean from any debris. You observe Children and staff wash hands regularly, and the appropriate sings and policies are in place for cleanliness. Feeding utensils, bottles and cups are washed regularly.

4. Daily Activities and skills development - You want your child well taken care of AND also participating in daily, age appropriate activities that help them along their different developmental stages. Choose a center that gives your child the opportunity to learn, grow, socialize, while building independence and self-respect.

5. Licenses and Training - Be sure to ask for what licenses and training are held by the center and service providers. Although a license does not guarantee quality it does come with educational, nutritional AND safety standards that are overseen by authorizing agencies and require continuing education to maintain.