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As a new parent, one of the most difficult questions to answer is whether your child will be placed in daycare. Once that decision is made (oftentimes out of necessity), you must be fastidious in your selection process. The following guide will help you make an educated and informed decision about where to place your child.
Top 3 Factors in Making Your Selection:
SAFETY:
Ask yourself: Is the facility a safe and protected setting? Look to see if all play rooms are well-ventilated and that electrical sockets and sharp edges are covered, steps securely blocked by safety gates, that smoke detectors are in place and working, and first aid supplies are in bountiful supply and up-to-date. And be sure to verify that the entire staff is properly trained in CPR and emergency safety measures, and employees practice that basic hygiene.
STAFF:
Generally the staff at childcare facilities is inadequately paid. The expected result is high turnover and bottom-of-the-barrel employee pool to pick from. So be sure to check the average length of tenure of staff members, if and how many references are checked before an employee is given access to children, and if a police check is ran on all prospective employees. Also determine the child-to-staff care ratio. Depending upon the age of the child, this number changes. Quality child care facilities have a ratio no greater than: toddler; one adult per 4 children, 3 year-olds; one adult per 7 or 8 children, 4 & 5 year-olds; one adult for every 8 to 10 children.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Most day care centers do not have employees who have been trained to work specifically with infants and toddlers. So look for state licensed or accredited facilities; childcare centers of this type are much more likely to be trained.
Your Childcare Options
There are essentially three types of childcare alternatives offered to parents working outside the home. You will want to investigate all three possibilities before you make your final decision. Each option has its benefits. Here are the different types:
IN-HOME CARE:
It can be both a wonderful convenience and a hassle. Make sure the individual is truly dedicated and interested in day care as a full-time job. It's important that the person understand the commitment and dedication required to make it in on time, every day. The positive side of this situation: your child remains in the familiar comfort of his own home and bed. Be sure to check multiple references.
DAYCARE CENTER:
Depending upon the type of center you choose, this can be an excellent option. Make sure the ratio of infant to staff is low and employee turnover is not high. Because of contact with other infants, your child will probably experience a higher rate of colds and viral infections than if he spent his days at home alone with a nanny. You might find, however, that your child may enjoy the interaction with other children and varied activities this kind of care situation provides. Be sure to check multiple references.
GROUP HOME (SINGLE CARE PROVIDER) DAYCARE:
Similar to a daycare center, a group home/daycare center provides the child with group care. The home setting, whether it be with a friend or family member, may be less stressful on your child Once again, it's important to be sure the person is certified and dedicated to full-time childcare. Again, be sure to check multiple references.
QUESTIONS AND MORE QUESTIONS
No day-care provider should balk because you ask questions. Make sure to ask lots of them. If you meet any resistance to your inquires, just leave. Something is wrong. If they don't, here's a list of questions that you can ask the provider that will help you find the best possible solution to your childcare delima:
1. What is your infant/toddler to staff ratio? How many students do you have? How many are you licensed to care for?
2. What is the average tenure of your staff? How long has this center been open?
3. How are the children separated? (age, ability, etc.)
4. What are your hours of operation? (hours, days closed, standard holidays, what is your pickup policy)
5. What is your minimum age requirement?
6. Is refrigerator space available for storing milk, formula, and food? Who provides food, diapers, wipes, etc.?
7. What are your fees? When are they paid? Are there any extra charges?
8. What staff members are licensed teachers or certified daycare providers?
9. What happens in case of an emergency? Is staff CPR licensed? Who do you call in an emergency? Where is child emergency information stored? Who provides medicine for an ill child? Do you accept ill children or do I have to find alternative care when my child has a cold, etc.? How are parents informed if their child is ill or if there is a medical situation with another child that may put my child at risk? (pink eye, hand-foot disease, cold, etc.)
10. Can you provide references from other parents? What type of background check is preformed on staff?
11. Will the staff report daily the activity, feeding and sleeping pattern of my child? Will it be reported to me if my child is hit or bit by another child?
12. What type of personal hygiene and health routine does your staff follow? (cleaning hands, toys, counters, in the preparation of food, handling medicine, changing diapers, etc.)
13. What type of rules you have about bedding and toys? (When and how are they sanitized, checked for safety features, etc.)
14. How do you lay a baby in its crib? Will my child ever be left anywhere else to sleep? Is your staff trained in SIDS precautions?
15. Where is your outside play area? How is it maintained for safety and security?
16. What is your policy on checking children out of school? (Do you ID individuals, make a list of who is approved, lock doors securely, etc.)
17. What is your policy on fire and emergency drills? Do both children and staff practice this plan?
18. Do you have active parental involvement at this facility? (Volunteers, parent-child nights, etc.)
19. Can I visit my child at any time? (Be sure to visit regularly, at odd times, and without announcing it ahead of time to staff or your child.)
In addition to the questions asked of daycare staff, you should also keep mental notes, impressions of your visit. Trust your gut feelings about the facility, the people who work there, the standard of care the children appear to be getting, the general happiness level. Generally, these inner feelings are the best indicator you have of the true situation you are exploring.
An extra protection you can take is to contact your local Department of Social Services, which maintains reports of childcare abuse or neglect in your community. Ask if the daycare center, or person you might be considering for a nanny, has ever had a report of misconduct filed against them, as well as what was the outcome of that report.
Once you select the daycare situation that looks right for your child, it's important to stay in close contact with the provider so that your child's needs, as well as yours, are met. You should get daily reports about how much and when your child ate, what activities he participated in, and if any incidents occurred. Read these daily logs like sacred documents, and try to always verify with your child if they are accurate and complete. And always, always try to talk with your youngster about his daily life while at his daycare center. Let him know that you care; you're watching him, caring about him, even from your desk at work.
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