Choosing Child Care - Know the Right Questions to Ask

When parents decide to enroll their child in child care, the decision can be quite challenging. However, the choice will be easier if parents are confident that the providers are well trained, experienced and professional, and that the provider has created a safe environment for children, according to William Endres, chief operating officer for Kiddie Academy International. Therefore, it is important to take time to research, visit and ask the right questions.

"There are dozens of questions one can ask a child care provider, but there are key areas that should be on the top of that list," Endres said. "It's not only about choosing the right child care facility; it's about choosing the best care to fit your child's needs, to help him or her reach his or her potential, and to develop a life long love of learning."

Endres offers the following advice:

Tour the Facility: A walk-through of the facility will help parents make a more educated and confident decision when choosing a day care provider for their child. While touring a facility, parents should consider the following questions:

• Is the atmosphere warm and welcoming?

• Are the facilities and toys cleaned regularly?

• Does the facility appear well-maintained and safe?

• What are the planned procedures in the event of an emergency?

• Is there emergency information posted?

• Are staff members trained in CPR and first-aid?

• Are the entrances to the building secured?

• Do teachers always know how many children are in their care?

Meet the Staff: The staff will be spending a lot of time with your child, so it is important that you meet them and understand their qualifications as well as training requirements. Find out how long your child’s teacher has worked in the child care field, and ask about background checks. Are teachers required to participate in ongoing professional development programs to ensure that their child will receive the best care possible both educationally and developmentally?

Check the Teacher-Child Ratios: Each staff member should be responsible for a certain number of children. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the recommended ratio is one staff member for three to five small children and one staff member for seven to 10 older children. To find out the guidelines in your state, visit the National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care’s Web site at http://nrc.uchsc.edu/STATES/states.htm.

Review the Daily Schedule: To get the most out of child care, children should be offered a wide variety of educational materials and toys. It’s important that child care programs not only include social activities but also educational lessons. Parents should ask if the facility offers daily activity reports as a way for them to stay updated on their child’s progress, and if staff members are readily available to speak with them on an as needed basis.

Ask About the Curriculum: Ask how the staff support each child’s learning. Is there a curriculum that is age-appropriate? Does the staff modify and adapt the curriculum to each child so he or she can learn and grow socially, physically, emotionally and intellectually at his or her own pace? Does learning take place at specific times during the day?

Inquire About the Food Service: A vital part of a child’s mental and physical health is a well-balanced diet. Ask about the food that is served and how meal and snack times are integrated into the daily routine. Are meals served family-style to encourage sharing and social interaction among children and staff? What is the policy regarding food brought from home?

Ask About Outdoor Activities: In addition to mental stimulation, it is important for children to engage in physical activities. Parents should make sure their child care facility encourages outdoor playtime. Outdoor activity is an essential part of fine and gross motor development and a great way to keep children fit and healthy.

According to Endres, Kiddie Academy provides an environment that fosters learning from the moment children walk in the door until the time they leave at the end of the day. Kiddie Academy teachers are highly trained and must participate in ongoing professional development. Family style dining for meals and snacks ensure that children get the nutrition that they need, while learning and sharing with their peers and teachers.

For more information about Kiddie Academy, and to learn about how to enroll your child for the fall semester, please visit www.kiddieacademy.com.