Now Hiring Teachers For Our VPK & Toddler Programs! If you’re interested in playing a crucial role in shaping a child’s future APPLY HERE!
Going back to work after a maternity leave (no matter how long) is a difficult reality to face for moms everywhere. Those precious few weeks go by so quickly and the idea of sending your infant off to be in the care of strangers is frightening. What if something happens? What if my baby is miserable all day long? Thousands of questions and concerns can cause anxiety for parents, but we are here to put those fears to rest. With the right information and a little research, your infant will be safe, happy, and well cared for at a childcare facility.
Fifty-seven percent of mothers with children under the age of one enter back into the work force after the typical 12-week maternity leave. Many of these mothers worry about placing their most precious treasure in the care of others and how that will affect the infant-parent bond and the well-being of the child. While there has been plenty of research done on the subject of infants in childcare, most experts can agree that infants can thrive in childcare when they are given plenty of attention, affection, rich language experiences, and regular playful interactions with their caregivers. Plus, an ongoing study conducted by the National Institute of Child Health and Development reported that childcare does NOT threaten the bond between infants and their parents as long as the child is getting sensitive care and love at home.
If you find yourself ready to return to the work force, we have some tips on how to go about finding the right childcare program for your infant.
1) Do your homework. Look for childcare centers in your area and call or visit their website to find out about hours, special requirements, registration info, etc. Make sure that all of these meet your criteria and then do a little research into ratings, reviews, and accreditation. Parents of infants that have attended or are attending the program can lend a ton of valuable information on how the staff is with infants and how the center environment is. Look for ratings and reviews on Facebook, Yelp, and Google.
2) Schedule a visit. We never suggest “going in blind” and committing your child to a childcare center without first seeing it in person. Set up an appointment where you can drop by, view the infant room, speak with the caregivers, get a feel for the environment, and check for cleanliness and safety of the areas they will be staying. If the center doesn’t give you a “warm and fuzzy” feeling, it’s time to move on.
3) Make sure the staff is trained and licensed. Find out if the staff has proper safety training, like CPR, and if the center meets and exceeds local and national standards for childcare centers. A proper childcare center will have all the necessary licenses and training credentials.
The Kids ‘R’ Kids childcare center in East Orlando has an extensive area for our youngest children that includes all learning opportunities that will help them grow in so many new ways. Our infant room includes plenty of space for exploring interactive toys, moving and playing on mats, and rocking chairs for our caregivers to cuddle and nurture your little treasure during their stay with us. Infants, starting as young as six weeks old, begin with hands-on play to stimulate their sense of wonder and create the yearn to learn. We provide a place for one on one nurturing through loving attitudes that support growth, and discovery. Call us today for more information on how we can help make your transition to work less stressful with a quality childcare program for your infant.