Childcare centers can vary greatly, and choosing the right fit for you and your family can feel a bit overwhelming at first! The first step to choosing the best childcare center for your child is to determine your top priorities, whether that’s cost, faith-based lessons, communication with parents, or how much outdoor playtime your child will receive. After determining your unique list of “must-haves,” it can be exceptionally beneficial to tour a childcare center or two to see for yourself what opportunities are offered and how you envision your child fitting in! Here are a few questions to keep in mind while touring childcare facilities to ensure you find the right fit for your little one:
What is the child-teacher ratio?
Research in child development shows that children learn best when they receive personalized attention from their parents, guardians, and teachers. Having a lower child-teacher ratio often means that childcare staff members are more available to problem-solve, provide support, help out, and answer any questions your child may have throughout their day. As a parent who may already feel anxiety about leaving your child at a childcare center, this individualized focus can help provide peace of mind that your little one’s needs will be met.
How do you prioritize safety?
Being responsible for young children is no small thing, and it’s perfectly normal for you, as a parent, to have concerns about your child’s safety when they’re out of sight! Inquiring about safety measures, check-in/check-out processes, staff background checks, etc., can be a good way to orient yourself with a potential center’s security processes.
What does a typical day at your childcare center look like?
Requesting a sample schedule for a class in your child’s age group can be a great way to determine whether a childcare center is the right fit! Being able to see for yourself what lessons are offered, how much free time/outdoor play children get, and even when mealtimes are, can help you determine whether your child will fit in well with a center’s curriculum and daily schedule.
How do you communicate with parents?
Childcare is all about trust, and having open, transparent lines of communication with parents is a non-negotiable for many! Some centers utilize newsletters, text alerts, or even daily reports to help keep parents in the loop. Understanding how a facility communicates with parents, especially in emergencies or when there is a concern about your child’s behavior, can help determine whether it aligns with your family’s ideal communication style.
Touring a childcare center is about more than simply viewing classrooms. It can also be an inside look at your child’s day-to-day routine, as well as the facility’s passion, learning objectives, and childcare philosophies! Asking questions helps to ensure that the childcare center you choose fits the unique needs of you, your child, and your whole family.