What is essentual for a parent leaving an infant or toddler in childcare?

Question

What do you look for in the staff? in the centre? What are signs of a safe and good childcare centre?

Answer 1

Good Question.

Wish I could help, But I can't bear to think of leaving my little man with strangers yet.

Answer 2

This question has no answers because different people have different needs.  First look for loving staff members, are they talking to the kids, holding them, sitting on the floor with them.  Ratios is a good thing to look for too because if you have a baby and you want one on one with him/her then you need to go to a higher priced school where they have 1 teacher for 2 kids.  But  it's all about where you feel comfortable.  Personally I loved to pick up my kids and see paint all over them, sand in their hair, messy hands and faces.  I knew they were allowed to play and be kids.  I could walk in and see them any time and I loved to see the teachers smiling at them.  I would have been worried if the place was too clean and there were no toys out.  I wanna see the mess kids are allowed to create!

Answer 3

As a center director as well as a parent I will tell you what I look for for my daughter, work, and also when hiring.  First thing is look on your department of job and family services website (it is usually arranged by state) and look for the licensing reports. These are public in Ohio, where I live, and provide the absolute best resource before walking into a center.  These reports are very simple.  A state licensing specialist goes to every center that is licensed, (which they all should be), either they just show up or they announce when they are coming.  They then inspect for every licensing rule to make sure that they are being met.  Licensing rules go from making sure that conviction statements are in employees files to making sure there is 7inches of mulch, or padding underneath the playground.  They are very indepth.  On the report it will tell you if the center was in violation for anything, and what they did to fix it.  Once you have found a center that you are comfortable with based on their report call and schedule a time to take a tour.  Take your little one with you because the director will show you the room and if it is a good center allow your child to spend about 5-10 minutes discovering the area.  Ask for the handbook which will give you all the information you need on policies and procedures.  Also be sure to ask the teachers credentials.  Look for a center that is NAEYC accredited, this is the national association of the education for young children.  They set higher standards for centers to meet such as reqirements for teachers, lower ratios, what needs to be in the rooms, etc.  Also Ohio has a star rating that centers can apply for.  The NAEYC accredidation and star rating is completely voluntary for centers so they may or may not have them.  Lastly, just get a feel for the center.  Do they make you feel at ease, or completely a wreck?  The second you walk into a center you will get a feeling, if it is a good feeling and their license is ok, go for it.  I personally work for a large corporation K L C, and 70% of my teachers have a four year degree- this is impressive, look for the same!! It is very important for me as a parent and a director to get teachers who are highly qualified.  I really push for a BAS in early childhood, but if this is not a possibility I require an associates in early childhood for ages 35 months and up.  It is extremely important in retaining teachers and providing quality care.   Hope this is what you were looking for!

Answer 4

It is within your right to ask for their policies. Policies in safety, both for emergencies and classroom safety and health practices. Ask how they handle a child if they misbehave. Do they believe in "Time Out" ( it should only be a minute per year of age...by the way).

What credentials do the teachers and caregivers have?

What is the teacher-child ratio. This depends on your child's age. You didn't mention it.

What are their routines, both in and for going out. In what degrees of weather do they decide not to go out.  

Basically they should have a written handbook to give parents that you can probably ask to see. You will form your own questions from that. A good Day Care can be a wonderful experience for a child. Good luck!

You also want to see that they use gloves to change diapers, and handle food. Obviously the place should look and smell clean. Visible safety is key. Uncluttered, walkable environment for your child.