{"id":174000000189,"date":"2014-12-03T16:58:13","date_gmt":"2014-12-03T16:58:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kidsrkids.com\/avalon-park\/?p=174000000189"},"modified":"2019-01-28T18:01:16","modified_gmt":"2019-01-28T18:01:16","slug":"choosing-best-child-care","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kidsrkids.com\/avalon-park\/2014\/12\/03\/choosing-best-child-care\/","title":{"rendered":"Tips for Choosing the Best Child Care"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Best<\/figure>\n

When it comes to finding the right child care center, parents often search high and low until they settle on the best provider possible. With all of the choices & styles available, choosing a child care center can be a bit overwhelming. All parents want their children to be safe and happy and in an environment that encourages learning & development<\/a>. We\u2019ve pulled together a few helpful tips that you can follow to take the frustration & confusion out of choosing childcare.<\/p>\n

Tip #1 Start Early<\/strong><\/p>\n

Don\u2019t wait until the last minute to begin your search for the best child care canter! Begin your research early. Consider your child\u2019s temperament, behavior, health, preferences, and special needs. You will want to find a center that nurtures a child\u2019s needs and fosters a safe and effective learning environment. It can help to write down what you want and expect from your child care program.<\/p>\n

Tip #2 Check References & Licensing \/Accreditation <\/strong><\/p>\n

Some states & local governments require a license in order to operate a childcare center. Find out what your local requirements are and make sure to ask about these permits & licenses when you call to do an initial interview with potential centers. It\u2019s also a good idea to find out what accreditation the child care provider has received. Local Orlando Child Care Centers that have been accredited by a national organization have met voluntary standards for child care that exceed state requirements.<\/p>\n

Parents of children currently enrolled in a potential child care center are a great resource. Ask for some references from current or past parents, as a highly reputable provider will always have references and referrals available. Performing a quick online search can also lend you some insight on how other parents rate the school. Websites like Yelp, Google +, and Yellow Pages are often full of reviews & ratings that will help you get a better feel of the environment and capabilities of the child care center staff. Once you have narrowed down your search to a few local centers, you can begin with calls and visits.<\/p>\n

Tip #3 Find Out Policies & Procedures<\/strong><\/p>\n

Professional child care centers should always have a written policy <\/a>outlining discipline, health standards & illnesses, medication, nutrition, transportation, visitation and other important areas. If you want to randomly drop in on your child during school hours, you will need to make sure the center has an open door policy on parent visits. If your younger child is not yet potty trained, you will need to find out what their procedures and requirements are for toilet time & training.<\/p>\n

A good center will be able to quickly & easily handle separation anxiety, disciplinary incidents, sick children, and meal or snack time. If your child has a special need or ritual during their day, it\u2019s important to cover this with the child care center to ensure they are properly prepared to handle these tasks.<\/p>\n

Tip #4 Make a Visit<\/strong><\/p>\n

Once you have whittled down your search to a few decent child care centers, it\u2019s time to make visits. Look for responsive & nurturing interactions between teachers\/caregivers and children. The center should be clean & orderly and should be stocked with a variety of educational toys, learning materials, books, blocks, and other fun items that encourage growth and development.<\/p>\n

Also check for child-to-staff ratio to ensure there are enough caregivers to properly monitor over all of the students in the center. The fewer children there are per adult, the better it is for your child. This is even more important for infants less than one year of age. The ratios as mandated by the Department of Children and Families for the State of Florida<\/span> are as follows:<\/p>\n