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Child Care Directory How to Choose a Day Care Center or Preschool
The elements of good day care include a licensed caregiver; a clean, safe setting; and suitable activities appropriate to your child's age and interests. Some questions that you might want to ask when choosing a day care center for your child include:
•What type of caregiver is good for your child? •Is the caregiver warm and loving toward children? •Is the caregiver well trained? •Does the caregiver encourage the child's interests and stimulate the child to explore and discover new things? •Does the caregiver have child-rearing attitudes and methods that are similar to yours?
•Is the setting suitable for your child? •Are the facilities safe and healthy? •Is the equipment appropriate for your child? •Are there few enough children involved to allow your child to receive individual attention? •Does the facility have an up-to-date license?
•Are there suitable activities for your child? •Does the center follow a schedule that meets young children’s needs for routine, yet is flexible enough to meet the needs of each child? •Are there opportunities to play quietly and actively, indoors and out? •Are materials and equipment available that help children learn new physical skills and control and exercise their muscles?
•Does the preschool follow an arts-and-crafts curriculum or is it more cognitive? •Which do you feel is best for your child?
•Is the center located in an area convenient to you, or is transportation available?
•What is the cost? How does it compare with other programs offering similar activities?
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