Things To Look for in a High-Quality Child Care Facility

Choosing a child care facility can be daunting. You likely want a place your child enjoys attending while learning at the same time. Child care helps with social development and early learning, but you don't want the experience to be stressful for your child or you. Discover things to look for.

Also, please read our blog post on quality childcare for additional relevant information.

A Facility for All Ages

Children are usually separated by age, but finding a facility that accepts babies through the elementary school years provides your child with stability. They'll have a chance to make long-term friends, and they can grow comfortable with the building and teachers.

A facility that accepts all ages is very beneficial when you have more than one child that needs care. Your baby, preschooler, and elementary child can attend the same facility, and that makes it a lot easier for you to juggle drop-off and pick-up times.

Certified Teachers

Play is important for kids but so is early learning. That's why you may want a child care facility that uses certified teachers rather than just babysitters. A teacher knows how to blend play with learning so your child is stimulated to learn about the world and how to count and read. However, enjoyment and fun are also top priorities.

A teacher can assess your child academically to pinpoint weak areas so they can work with your child to improve and be ready for kindergarten and elementary school. You may also want a child care center that provides tutoring for your elementary school children to make sure they keep up with the classes in their weak areas.

A Warm and Fun Atmosphere

Children must learn to get along with other kids and their teachers since that's an important part of learning, but it's important for your child to feel valued and respected. You also want to feel seen and heard as a parent. Talk to other parents and past employees if you know of any to get a feel for the atmosphere at the facility.

If your child is at ease and looks forward to going to the facility every day, you'll have fewer problems with separation anxiety and similar issues that make life hard on your child and you too. In addition to learning about the educational system and activities on offer, notice how the staff and kids interact so you feel comfortable that your child will be safe and happy at the facility.

Transportation

Depending on your work schedule, you may need to find transportation for your child from the child care facility to and from their elementary school every day. A facility that includes transportation in the cost of tuition could be a big help. You could drop your child off at the facility each morning and pick them up when you get off from work and let the facility handle school transportation.

Healthy Snacks

If your child has allergies and is on a special diet, make sure your child's needs will be met. The child care facility may provide snacks, and you'll want to ensure the food is healthy with few junk food options. If you supply your child's meals, learn how the meals will be stored until time for lunch so you know the food will be fresh and safe to eat.

Also, learn about options if your baby is still bottle feeding or breastfeeding. Nutrition is important for a growing child, so you'll want to maintain quality nutrition while your child is in a child care facility too.

Cleanliness

It's challenging to keep a child care facility tidy since so much activity is going on all day, but the facility should be as clean and sanitary as possible. Pay attention to the building as you tour it to make sure it's in good repair, there are no safety hazards, and the floor, walls, shelves, and tables are clean.

If you need child care, contact Northern Lights Preschool & Child Care. We accept infants through elementary school children and provide preschool, tutoring, and before and after school care.