Stay-at-home parenting or take your child to a daycare center? This is a dilemma of most parents, especially nowadays where the spiraling living cost and the economic realities demand a dual income.
If the thought of leaving your child with someone makes you feel nervous, you are not alone. It is a difficult choice and one that needs to made with much caution.
As you hunt for a daycare center in Salt Lake City, you need to be thorough. These are the things to consider.
What Are Their Ground Rules?
Everything from how they handle emergencies to how they operate their day-to-day activities. A good day care should have established regulations that are clear; they should provide you with a copy of their policies.
For instance, what is their sick-child policy? What illnesses will keep your child home? Strict policies, especially on matters concerning health, are an indicator of a good daycare.
The Caregiver to Child Ratio
You need to know how many children each caregiver handles. Obviously, the fewer the children for each caregiver, the more attention your child will get. This is especially crucial for the younger kids who need more attention.
For infants, a ratio of one caregiver to four kids is fair enough, while for the four-year-olds and above, a ratio of one adult to 10 kids is good enough.
Qualifications and Competence
Find out if the caregivers have relevant education or training concerning childcare. This way, you will be sure they have the knowledge needed to enhance your child’s development. Seek to know if the caregivers attend any workshops.
An institution that constantly trains their workers is an indicator that they take what they do seriously.
A Great Reputation
A good daycare is popular for its nurturing, friendly environment. Get the names and contacts of their current clients and ask them for a review. You could also pop in when parents are picking up their kids and talk to a few parents.
If you pay attention the above indicators, you will be on the right track to finding an ideal daycare for your child. Remember, a quality daycare will provide your child with an enriching experience to foster your child’s growth.