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Fitting Childcare Into Yours and Your Child's Life
by Luca Jenkin
http://www.flexichilcare.com
The decision to work and put your child in daycare is often
not a choice for many people. In today's culture, a
double-income family is a necessity, not an option. This
option is also out of the question for most single parents.
For this reason, it can feel quite anxious to match your
child with a daycare provider or center that perfectly
accommodates your child's needs. As daunting as this
sounds, it can be done if you follow a few helpful
guidelines.
First, don't decide on a daycare center in haste or under
pressure. Be sure to take the time to thoroughly
investigate all the options available in your area and the
pros and cons of each one with respect to your child and
situation. What might be best for your friend or relative
might not be best for your family. The main child care
alternatives are a day care center, day care at someone
else's home, or a dedicated child care worker in your
home. It may be best to consider only state licensed day
care providers.
You may be able to get a list of reputable day care
providers from a local non-profit organization that is
dedicated to child welfare. Some day care centers may
simply be located from phone book or internet advertising.
Once you have identified potential day care providers, you
can start visiting them in person. You will need to ask
some of the following questions.
An crucial quality indicator for day care is the ratio of
adult staff to children. You want to ensure that your
child receives proper attention for health and development.
For infants, the recommended ratio is 1 adult for 4
babies. The ratio for youngsters under the age of 5 is one
adult for 10 children. However, it is also important that
children socialize in smaller groups. Thirty children
and three adults in one large room could be a chaotic
environment for a 3-year old child.
4. The caregiver should supply a copy of her background,
along with listing her certificates from different childcare
and development schools, any licenses, and additional
training. As for a daycare center, you should find out if
it is state or nationally accredited and what organizations
it belongs to. An accredited center is much more likely to
meet high criteria and is much more willing to open
inspections.
5. A large staff turnover rate is another big red flag.
This a sign that something about the day care is not working
for the employees. If a daycare center skirts around this
information, this also is another bad sign. A child who is
exposed to new teacher after new teacher in a short amount
of time will not feel as secure or have the ability to bond
well with others as a child who has a happy staff member or
provider.
When you finally find what you believe to be the right
place for your child, wait a few days before signing a
contract. If you continue to agree with your decision, you
have done your best to insure a quality home away from for
your child. The right childcare provider is available in
your area if you are willing to expend the effort.
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