For any parent, no matter how much they lover their job, putting their child in daycare can be hard.
Choosing a center? That can be even harder!
However, by asking the right questions at your daycare tour, you can give yourself peace of mind and make a choice with full confidence.
Do you have an upcoming daycare tour? Fret not; just note down these questions and take them with you…
Are you licensed?
Arguably, the most important question on this list.
You want to make sure that the people you’re trusting actually know their job. All states have robust license requirements for daycares and knowing that the center is licensed would provide an assurance that your child is in good hands.
What’s your educator-to-child ratio?
The educator-to-child ratio is a crucial consideration when choosing a daycare center. Ideally, you want this ratio to be as high as possible, as that means your child gets lots of individual attention and one-on-one time with the teachers.
Generally speaking, for:
- Children between the age of 0–2 years, the educator-to-child ratio should be 1:4
- Children between the age of 2–3 years, the educator-to-child ratio should be 1:5
- Children between the age of 3–6 years, the educator-to-child ratio should be 1:10
What learning programs do you offer?
Children are born ready to learn, and it’s very important for their mental development to get them engaged into learning from an early age.
When touring the center, ask the coordinator or owner, whoever is attending you, about the learning programs offered at the center. You want your child to receive the best education that develops their skills at all levels.
What qualities do you look for when hiring the staff?
A center is only as good as its staff.
The staff of a daycare should be qualified, caring, passionate, friendly, and most importantly community-minded.
You’d be leaving your child in the care of the center’s staff, and they must share the values that you want your child to grow up with.
What will my child eat?
This is a huge thing for all parents—and it should be. Proper nutrition is vital for the growth of your little one.
Look for a center that has a varied, healthy menu of vegetables, fruits and proteins. Avoid the ones that serves juice boxes, Goldfish crackers, PB&J sandwiches and everything fat and processed.
Touring a daycare center and asking these questions will help you decide which facility is the best one for your child’s care and development.
Are you located in Orlando?
Come, visit us at 415 Woodbury Road (your lunch is on us), and see how Kids R Kids Learning Academy is delivering first-class child care and early education to Watford Lake Community families.