Unbiased Reviews by Real People
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Unbiased Reviews by Real People
Choosing A Child Care ProgramSep 12, 2000 Write an essay on this topic.Quality child care helps children feel good about themselves, get along with others and learn more about the world around them. Quality child care programs come in many shapes and sizes. Some excellent programs have only a few children, and are run from the providers home. Other fine programs have many children and are located in large centers. A few years ago, my daughter in law and I checked out several day care centers to find one for my grand daughter, who was 3 at the time. Here's a few things that may help you choose the right day care for your child. Learn as much as you can about child care in your community. Talk to your friends, neighbors and relatives. Visit as many day care programs as possible, and try to visit when children are there. Watch how the care givers act with the children. Do they show warmth and under standing toward them? Do the children look happy and interested in what they are doing? Are there plenty of activities for them? Do the activities appear to fit the children's ages and abilities? Make sure you ask to see their program license or registration certificate. In a program that cares for more than two children, more than two or three hours a day, must have a license or registration certificate. Make sure the site looks safe to you. Is there a plan for getting the children out of the the building in an emergency. Is there a room for indoor and outdoor activities, with enough equipment and play material for all the children. If the children have an on-site outside play area, is it fenced in. How many children are in their care, and how many are they licensed to care for. If it's in a providers home, ask if there are any other people in the home who may have contact with your child, and ask to meet them. Ask if the provider has pets, and if the pets are allowed in the room with the children. In case of an emergency, do they have a substitute. If they do, what is their background, and ask to meet them. Does the provider have any first aid or CPR training. What are the fees, and is there a fee for late pick-up of children. Do you pay for days that your child is not in day care. What is their method of discipline. What is a typical day like. What is the policy regarding ill children. Do they dispense medicine. Will your child have a completely smoke free environment. Find out what religious Holiday are observed and how much notice is to be given for Holiday and vacation closings. What is the caregivers experience educationally and practically (hands on ) working with children. Ask for references also. If there are field trips, where do they go, what is the cost and who are the chaperones. Finding the right program for you and your child may be hard work, but it's worth the effort. Get as much information as you can. Think about your needs and your child's needs. Trust your feelings and judgement, then make the choice that's right for you and your family.  |
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