If you�re like most parents who are in the process of selecting a child care center for their son or daughter, your head is probably swirling with what feels like a million and one questions. What will they do all day? Will the teachers be truly attentive to their needs? Will they be well-cared for? Will they actually be learning? Is it safe? Is it clean? The list goes on. Finding the perfect child care provider that is more than just a daycare is one of the most daunting tasks for parents with young kids. We know. As parents, we�ve been there; and as educators, we�ve been helping parents find the right programs for their families for more than 20 years. To help guide you through the process, consider these five questions every parent should ask as you research and tour child care centers. They will help you zero in on and evaluate key elements of any program � putting you on the path to ensuring your child gets the best possible start to their educational journey.
1. Is your program accredited by or seeking accreditation from NAEYC? The
National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is the nation�s largest early childhood accrediting organization. Child cares or day cares that meet NAEYC�s standards of excellence provide an environment with a focus on health and safety, have teachers who are well trained, have access to excellent teaching materials, and work with curriculum that is research-based, appropriately challenging and developmentally sound.
2. What processes and procedures do you have in place to ensure a safe environment and reduce the risk of illness in your schools? Health and safety is often one of parents� biggest concerns � and rightfully so. Ask how often classrooms are cleaned, how frequently toys are sanitized, about policies for handwashing, if they will administer medication (at your request), how they secure their buildings and playgrounds, if they practice fire drills and what their emergency protocol entails.
3. How will I receive communication about my child and the daily classroom activities he/she participates in?
Parent-teacher partnerships enabled by open, frequent communication are extremely important to the education of young children. In addition to face-to-face conversations at drop-off or pick-up, advanced child care centers now use electronic communication systems, allowing parents to access class lessons, activities, nap and lunch notes, photos, announcements and more via a smartphone app or daily email.
4. How will you assess the development of my child? Look for programs that provide regular child progress reports on cognitive, physical and social-emotional milestones, as well as recommendations on how to reach those milestones. Outside of parent-teacher conferences, the school should provide helpful, personalized learning and development exercises and strategies that families can implement outside the classroom.
5. What criteria do you look for when hiring staff at your center? You should expect college-educated, degreed and CPR-trained teachers in every classroom. Beyond credentials, look for staff who appreciate the uniqueness of each child and recognize that what works for one child doesn�t necessarily work for another, as well as professional development programs to keep staff up-to-date on the latest child development practices.
Do you have specific questions about selecting a child care center? Contact the early childhood education specialists at a Malvern School near you for expert advice with no obligation � or schedule a tour below to explore what makes The Malvern School unique!
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