Menu
Photos
Child Care Options in 2008...
Observing Child Care Centers
When parents need a child care program, there is no substitute for taking the time to visit several neighborhood centers. If you have never visited a CHILD CARE center, you may feel strange at first, but a meeting with administrators and staff is as important as any other kind of business meeting. Talk. Ask questions. Be a curious observer.
Ask to see every room. Centers are arranged according to the learning activities planned for individual children. Tour the outside of the center, as well as the kitchen, sleeping spaces and bathrooms.
Are the toys and materials accessible, plentiful, and clean? Is the furniture in good condition? Are there plenty of games and activities visible and attractively arranged on shelves?
Each center should have a wide selection of equipment that will keep children busy and happy all day long. This is important because no mom or dad wants to pick up their child after a long day at work and find the child has spent the day being bored and frustrated.
As one smart parent said, “I’m looking for day care that fits my child’s needs. He’s a very active child. I want to be sure he has the best start in life, so I’ve taken the time to look around at different centers just to see for myself how they operate.”
Regulations for Child Care
An interview with the CHILD CARE administrator is the best way to judge the effectiveness of a program. Is there evidence of good planning and good record-keeping? Is the administrator experienced in curriculum and program developments, as well as early childhood education? How does she supervise the staff, the children, the cooking, the cleaning, and the health and safety standards? How does the administrator relate to parents and the families she serves?
There are different state-monitored regulations for infants and toddlers than for three-to-five year olds. The younger the child, the smaller the ratio between teachers and children. Health and safety standards, as well as sufficient space for each child, are required. For preschool-age children, as well as babies, licensed centers must have a written developmental program of tasks and activities that is appropriate for the ages of all children enrolled. This is part of the licensing procedure.
Visit centers and inquire about licensing and state standards. Quality day care and child-care centers are happy to have visitors at any time during working hours. A child-care center with an “open door” policy is the only kind to consider.
Teachers are the Heart of Any Program
Teachers are the heart of child care, day care or preschool. Talented teachers are trained and experienced. They energize, motivate and educate young children’s minds as well as their bodies. While parents are the first teachers of their children, teachers can significantly enrich and increase the desire to learn.
Different teachers have different styles! Consider “teacher style” in choosing a program or center. Observe teachers in action and see how their styles match with your child’s needs.
Search
Free Parenting Videos by Dr. Susan Turben
Order one or both of Dr. Susan Turben's Free Parenting Videos today. Available on DVD and VHS.
