Dropping a child off at day care facility can be a heartbreaking moment for all parents. Despite doing your very best, you will still constantly think about your child while you are working. But there are a few simple steps you can do to improve this situation, both before and after you make your selection of toddler care center Murray, UT.
Before Your Decision
- Arrange a Visit: Not all day care centers are created equal. Some are immaculate and staffed by skilled staff members; others don't seem suitable to fill their roles. Take a good look inside to know what to expect. You should also get to know the staff members.
- Confirm Accreditation: Accreditation means that a day care facility adheres to a set of standards that go beyond what is mandated by law. Look for the seal of approval by the National Association of Young Children (NAEYC), the National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Programs (NAC), or the National Early Childhood Program Accreditation (NECPA).
- Calculate Adult-to-Child Ratio: In order to do good work, there can't be more children at a day care than what their employees can take care of. A ratio of four kids per teacher is appropriate for infants, while one adult to every 10 children is the standard for age 4.
After Your Decision
- Meet Regularly: Have frequent follow-up meetings with the day care staff. This ensures that you stay current on your child's behavior patterns, things they have learned, and upcoming events at the facility.
- Volunteer: Many day care organizations love for adults to lend a hand when they are able. The work required could range from supervising children or coming on the weekend to help clean or make repairs.
- It's OK to Change Your Mind: Are you unsatisfied with your day care center? It's your prerogative to pick a new one. You can't allow a difficult to put the safety of your child at risk.