There are a few criteria people look for when choosing a daycare center for their child. They’re looking for a dependable and reliable childcare center. More importantly, they want their child to be in an environment where they can thrive in. You can’t be a stay-at-home parent, so you want your child in good hands.
While a licensed facility that has trained workers is very important. There are several other questions that are important to ask a preschool administrator before enrolling your child(ren):
1. What is the school’s philosophy of day care? Most childcare facilities should have a philosophy that states how they care for children. It’s always best to ask to see it in written form if it’s not available on the daycare facility’s Web site. Others will have a mission statement. It’s important to read that as well.
2. How does the childcare facility encourage child social development? The program at the childcare should be designed to promote cooperative play and develop social skills. They should have a time for “structured” play and time for “free” play. Free play will allow kids to be more spontaneous.
3. Ask the preschool director, what is their philosophy of learning. Many daycare facilities will support children to learn through a variety of activities, like art, field trips, storytelling and structure and unstructured activities.
4. How does the facility handle children when they have a temper tantrum or have behavioral problems? It’s important that they have the same policies that you do so your child won’t be in a place with different sets of rules. This will confuse your child.
5. Does the facility have a Family Night where you’ll be able to meet the parents of other kids? Some parents like to get to know the parents of the children that their child plays with. Some parents find that they make friends with the parents of their child’s friends.
6. How much involvement on the parents’ part does the daycare require? A lot of preschools and daycare center’s will require that parents volunteer a certain per year. It’s not always work hours either, sometimes they will take donations instead of working hours. Most parents work and don’t have time to spend several hours working at events at the school so they donate food, money, books or toys. No matter what your involvement, it’s always best to be actively involved with your child’s school somehow.
It’s important to pick the best daycare or preschool for your child. The school will be reflected in your child’s development and behavior. So pick carefully.
