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10 Tips to Choosing a Childcare Centre 

Every parent wants to make sure they are selecting the best childcare facility for their child. After all, a child is one’s most precious possession! So finding the childcare centre can be a really difficult task, given that there are many parameters and criteria to consider.

We recommend you make a physical visit whilst considering following:

1. School Environment & Atmosphere

Did you find the childcare centre atmosphere welcoming and inviting? Is it a place where the staff engaged with children in a positive manner?Do the children look happy being there? Do the staff and caregivers look dedicated and happy to do their work? Do you feel it is safe enough? Does the school have security procedures for entering the building?

2. Cleanliness

It is always a great idea to take a peek “behind the scenes” when you’re taking a tour of the facility. Check out the bathrooms and kitchen, not just the common areas and make sure they are held to standards of cleanliness that you would expect your child to be around all day long. Hygiene is important for little ones and you want to make sure they are going to be well taken care of while they are out of your care.

3. Hours of Operation

Depending on individual schedule, this may be a critical piece that you will need to determine. Does the centre have flexibility to different accommodate longer hours of operation? What about weekend support? Also make sure you understand what the policies are for late pick-ups, as well. Even if you never intend to be late, there may those times where the impossible happens and you will need a back-up. Make sure you’re prepared!

4. Curriculum and Structure

There are so many different philosophies and curriculums in the child care world today, so make sure you do your research and find a facility that matches your expectations. Are you looking for more “developmental” or “academic” needs for your child? Ask about playtime, TV time and story telling time. What are the disciplinary procedures?… knowing how young children can be! Each facility will have their own daily schedule, structure and activities they promote, so make sure you find out what happens on a daily basis with the learning and development of the child. Do not settle for a summary of the curriculum. Ask detailed questions and find out specific things each centre would do to prepare your children for school. You want to make sure you’re establishing a foundation for your child that encourages learning!

5. References/Testimonials

One of the best ways to find great child care facilities is to ask for the recommendation of your friends, family and other parents. Where you are new to the area or the recommended centres are not near you, ask for evidences or testimonials from the centre you find.  You can also ask the child care facility if they can give you a list of potential parents you could contact to get more information about the center. Make sure current families are satisfied with the child care facility as it will help to put your mind at ease that you are making the right decision for your child. Word of mouth is priceless!

6. Parents/Staff/Caregiver Relationship

The relationship and interaction between the staff members and the care givers can provide indications of how the children are being looked after. Is there friendliness and cordiality between them? Do they treat children with respect, listen to them and respond to them sensitively? What are the means of communication with parents about the well being of their children? How are conflicts resolved? Do you sense a good working environment for all staff?

7. Snacks and Meals

If your child is going to be attending child care all day, make sure you know what the policies are on snacks and meals. Will you be expected to provide the food for your child everyday? Is this part of the overall tuition at the child care facility? If it is provided, what types of things are offered? How are food allergies handles and are the items they offer healthy and nutritious? Making sure your child has proper nutrition throughout the day is an extremely important part of choosing a child care center, so make sure you find one that matches with how you want snacks and meals of your child handled.

8. Location

Is it better to find a child care facility that is close to home or close to work? Is it easier for you to get to and or your partner? Working out the logistics of how you will get your child to and from a child care center will be an important step in choosing one. You’ll also want to consider the location of the child care facility in relation to the neighbourhood it is in. Is it well-maintained? And is the location safe?

9. Multiple Questions

The one sure time you can get as much answers and information as you like to help you make your decisions in choosing in a childcare centre is when you are make your enquiry visits. In addition to the tips and questions we have listed above, you should feel free to ask as much questions as you want, and also seek clarifications to put your mind at rest. After all, you are about to make a very important decision that relates to your precious one.

10. Your Gut Feeling

Finally, there isn’t anything quite like your gut feeling. If you do not feel convinced to take your child to the centre after your visit, then it probably isn’t going to be the center for you. Instincts are important and mothers seem to have bucket loads of them…and so does fathers too!

Ignoring all the tips above and choosing the cheapest option may not be the most beneficial for your child or your family! Without quality factors included, like the ones above, you could be setting your child up for failure. At Cradle 2 Crayon, we take great pride in offering a quality program for babies, toddlers, as well as preschoolers. Our door is always open for questions and tours when it’s time for you to find your best child care centre for your precious one!