Selecting a Childcare Provider
Searching for care can be daunting. Begin your process with online research and personal referrals but below are aspects to consider:
Safety: Look for restricted access doors, monitoring and surveillance cameras. You can also research the operation’s history on the state childcare licensing website.
Location: Most families choose a facility that is under five miles of their home. Ideally, the location is on your natural drive route.
Timeframe: Quality providers may have waiting lists. Start your search early and if your top choice is on a wait list, consider registering with two different places.
Cost: Determine your budget. Is cost all-inclusive, or will there be other fees such as food, activities and field trips?
Hours: Do you need full-time, part-time or even after-care? Some centers are open from 6:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. allowing you to stay with the same provider for years!
Teaching: Are activities teacher-led, independent play, or balanced? Are assessments provided to ensure they are ready for kindergarten?
Food: Do you provide food or do they offer healthy meals? Look at the menus and also factor this into cost if the center provides the food.
Class Size: Consider child/teacher ratio. Look for low ratios and consider the training teachers receive before they care for children.
Accreditation: Is the school nationally recognized? How long have they been in operation, and do they have good reviews?
Communication: How do they keep parents involved and informed? Will you receive photos? Do they have procedures for addressing any concerns?
Decide which of the criteria is important and go visit facilities by making an appointment. Observe additional aspects such as cleanliness, attitude and child engagement. Go with your gut instinct too because when you visit the right place for your child, you will know!
Kenny Glorioso, Former Owner, Primrose School