Parents want the best for their children and this is especially true when choosing a daycare center. A high-quality infant daycare center will give you peace of mind knowing your child is getting the best possible care while away from home.
If you’re looking for high-quality infant daycare, here are some key things to look out for:
Few Children Per Teacher
A low child to teacher ratio means lots of individual attention for your infant.
A smaller number of children per teacher allows the teacher to care for each child’s specific needs. It also gives ample time for the teacher to form a deep bond with each child, which helps them feel secure and settle in. Providence Children’s Academy keeps the ratios small for these reasons.
Group Sizes Are Kept Small
Smaller group sizes are not only conducive to good teacher-child connections but also make it easier for the children to form friendships with each other. In a smaller setting, it is easier for them to learn and practice essential social skills such a sharing, taking turns and listening.
Qualifications And Training
A daycare center should be managed and run by staff with suitable qualifications, preferably higher education. Young children have specific needs and developmental goals that trained staff will be able to cater for and plan towards.
Teachers
Find out if the daycare’s child care teachers are qualified to be looking after infants. Teachers with degrees in early childhood learning or child development have the knowledge and experience to give your child the best care possible, while also stimulating them mentally and physically with age-appropriate activities. Teachers who don’t have credentials or degrees should be enrolled in courses and working towards getting qualified.
Director
If the director of a daycare center is highly qualified in all aspects of early child care education and child care administration, they will be able to apply their knowledge and experience to run an establishment that will invest in every young life in the center’s care.
They will bring the best out of their staff and provide all the resources necessary to create an environment in which the children in their care can thrive.
Teachers Who Stay
Teachers who are well-compensated with good benefits are less likely to change jobs often. This stability is good for the children as they are free to build a connection and relationship with their teacher. A high teacher turnover rate is a concern that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Interactions Between Teacher And Children
You can tell a lot by observing a teacher with the children in their care.
High-quality daycare teachers connect with the children in ways that are loving, positive, enthusiastic and genuinely interested. They have the ability to weave a sense of wonder into simple things and make trying new things exciting, not scary for the children. Children respond by paying attention and reciprocating the love and care they experience.
Activities And Games
Have a look at what the school has available.
- Are they suited to the age of the children?
- Are there enough puzzles, games, blocks, materials for art projects and other activities to keep the children busy?
- Is there a safe space for indoor and outdoor play? Check if the equipment is in good condition.
Health And Safety Practices
From simple health issues like teachers washing hands regularly and training the children to do the same, to security and fire drills, the daycare should have a health and safety policy in place that you as the parent have access to.
Parent Involvement Is Encouraged
High-quality daycare will give an opportunity for parents to be involved in the school, either on advisory boards or as volunteers in the classroom or for events. Parents are included and welcomed.
Accreditation And Licensing
A daycare that has national accreditation through the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) or a 3, 4 or 5-star rated license shows that their intention is to offer your child high-quality care. They have not only met but exceeded the minimum standards to receive their license.
Top Quality Daycare For Your Infant
At Providence Children’s Academy, we aim to provide top quality infant care that ticks every one of these boxes. You are most welcome to schedule a tour of the facility where you’ll be able to meet the staff and ask any questions you may have.