|
If you are planning to seek employment and you have a child you'll need to find an excellent day care center. I have a few suggestions to help you in your search for the best possible facility.
First of all you'll need to inquire to see if the facility has been licensed or registered with the state government as there would be many requirements the center would need to meet for the license or registration. They should be ready to show you this license or registration.
You might want to ask if you could obtain names and phone numbers of parents whose children are attending the center to speak with them to ascertain the quality of care at center. They may even offer information for contact of those
whose children have outgrown the center or moved.
The guidelines in most states are that for children under two years of age that one caregiver be assigned for every three children, one adult for every four children ages 25 to 30 months.
The guidelines also require one adult for every five children ages 31 to 35 months, and one adult for ever seven children 3 to 4 years of age. These guidelines are required so that these children of each get the very best of care and attention.
Check to see that the facility is well-venilated, and that the furniture and equipment are clean and safe for children. See if there is enough indoor space for the children who are there at the time of your visit, usually the requirements are an area measuring 50 square feet per child.
Check to see if the bathrooms are clean and also easy for small children to reach the toilet paper, liquid soap and paper towels. Each child should have a locker or other storage place for their personal belongings. Be sure to look at the outdoor portion of the facility to be sure the play area if safe and free of ditches, sharp objects or rocks, and sharp edges as small children could easily be hurt.
Look around at the interaction between the care givers and the children, and check to see if they are giving, loving people and that the children seem to like them and interact well with them.
This is very important that your children are taken care of by likeable, and competent people.
Be sure to ask the discipline policy of the center, to be sure what will be done if your child breaks the rules. What about when your child gets sick, ask their policy regarding this matter. Are the staff members trained in child
development and have they received up-t-date first-aid and CPR training in case of an emergency.
You might even inquire as to how long the center has been open, how long the employees have worked there and another thought would be to inquire if employees are allowed to smoke while working.
Some day care centers even offer parenting classes and have family support groups which might be very helpful.
| 
