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One of the best ways to evaluate a daycare facility is to schedule an impromptu visit. Remember, most childcare providers will be well prepared for schedule visits. However, if you really want to see the way the child care provider operates, you need to drop in. Even if they will not allow you to tour the facility at that time, you can schedule your visit then and get a feel for the facility on a normal day.
There are some things you should check for when evaluating childcare facilities. First, make sure that they require identification for those picking up children. In a smaller center the teachers do get to know the parents, so a photo ID is not required for pick up. But when someone other than Mom or Dad is going to pick up the child, they should have an identification checking policy in place.
When you tour the facility, look around carefully. Make sure that there are no problems that you can see in child proofing. You need to find a childcare center that carefully child proofs everything. Also, the center should be clean. There will be toys out that the children are playing with, but obvious dirt and stains can be a sign that the teachers and staff are not attentive to cleaning spills quickly, which could expose your child to germs and other problems.
If you are seeking childcare for a child who is potty training, check into the potty schedule. Make sure there are set times every day that the children are taken to the restroom. Find out what the policy is about changing children who have accidents. Also, make sure the children have continuous access to the bathroom. Your child will be extremely embarrassed if they should have an accident in the childcare facility during their playtime.
Accountability is another thing to look for in a childcare facility. If your childcare facility is located at your work, look for places where you can sneak a peek at your child. Many centers are now offering internet-based video monitoring systems so you can see your child's classroom whenever you are at your computer. This not only ensures your child is safe, but it also gives you piece of mind about leaving your child at the daycare center.
Talk to the teacher of the childcare center you are considering. You should feel comfortable with the personality and temperament of this teacher. If not, then choose a different daycare center.
Finally, check to see that the childcare center has educational programs built into their routine. While small children need plenty of time for free play and social interaction, their minds need structured learning times as well. See if you can look at sample papers or worksheets that the children do, so that you can get an idea of the things your children will be learning. If there is a curriculum, check it out! Even if you are not educationally trained, you should know if the curriculum is quality or not.
With these tips, you can find an excellent child care facility for your children. You will feel confident that they are in a safe, structured environment while you are at work. When you pick them up, they will be having fun and learning in their childcare facility.
