Get Started

I'll show you how.
 

Find Advice

Let's Play Nice

We’re glad you’re here, and we want to know what you have to say. This is your community, but please remember that there are kids and great-aunts out here, too. Look out for each other. Whatever you post, make sure it helps, encourages, and gives back to the community. For details about our content policy, click here.

Forget past mistakes. Forget failures. Forget about everything except what you're going to do now—and do it. ~William Durant

Get Advice

 
 |  all  | 

# of Thumbs Up Received (4)

My grand niece may be going in day care when she turns 1. What are some of the things to look for in choosing a good day care center?



Question applies to ages: 1

reportReport

Rate Advice (3)


# of Thumbs Up Received (1)
Preschool and Childcare # of Thumbs Up Received (1)		 Her parents should start by trusting their instincts. If something doesn't feel quite right, it's most likely not the best place for your grand niece. Things to ask when comparing centers:

1. What is the ratio of staff to children for each age group?
2. What kind of training/qualifications does someone need to work here?
3. Do you let children watch TV? (Look out for centers that keep the TV on or let children watch an hour or more a day, even educational TV. Your child should be engaged in activities.)
4. What kind of focus do you place on academics/learning? (Some day cares overemphasize this. Children learn better when it happens naturally, for example, "You have one-two-three blocks in your tower. I like it!"....rather than a formal lesson on counting. The goal of day care should be learning to share, getting along with others, following simple 1- and 2-step directions, and so on.)
5. Are the activities developmentally appropriate? (This goes along with number four. A child learns at his or her own pace. Some children walk at 9 months; others at 13 months. Can you force a child to walk before being developmentally ready? No, you will only upset your child and may possibly do damage. Encouragement is one thing; expecting a child to read or write or do anything else before being ready only leads to an unhappy child.)
6. May I observe a few classes? (Do not sign your child up until you watch how staff interact with the children.)
7. Once my child is enrolled, may I stop in unannounced? (WARNING: If they say no, leave. While it's not a good idea to stop by too frequently since this may be upsetting to a child when the parent or caregiver leaves again, you should never be told you cannot come.)
8. Finally, get all the day care's policies and costs in writing as far as lunch time, nap time, tuition, illness, safety precautions, etc.

When in doubt, go back to the beginning: Trust your instincts!


References:
Children's Author; Parent; Master's Degree in Psychology
Was this helpful?    thumb up  |  thumb down
reportReport
avatarBrenda Nixon
# of Thumbs Up Received (7)
Top 5 in: Growth and Development, Preschool and ChildcareTop 5 in 2 Topics		 I agree with the comments/recommendations made so far. To add one other; parents should ask themselves, "Is this a daycare where I'd like to spend my entire day?"

There's a chapter on finding quality childcare in the new The Birth to Five Book: Confident Childrearing Right from the Start (2009, Revell).

References:
Brenda Nixon, M.A. www.BrendaNixon.com
Speaker and Author of The Birth to Five Book
Was this helpful?    thumb up  |  thumb down
reportReport
avatarBryan.EduGuide
# of Thumbs Up Received (20)
Top 5 in: Choosing College, Family Activities, Home Learning and Field Trips, Learning Styles, School Policy and Education IssuesTop 5 in 5 Topics		 Most areas have local agencies that help families identify child care providers near them who meet basic standards. That's a good place to start. In Michigan, I recommend contacting the local 4C office.
Was this helpful?    thumb up  |  thumb down
reportReport

EduGuide does not evaluate or guarantee the accuracy of any EduGuide Advice content. Click here for the Full Disclaimer. Help us improve EduGude Advice. Tell us what you think.

McAfee Secure sites help keep you safe from identity theft, credit card fraud, spyware, spam, viruses and online scams
Parents |  Students |  Professionals |  Our Cause |  Site Map |  Contact Us
Website Development by Web Ascender
Privacy Policy |  Terms of Use | © 2008 EduGuide