When selecting a childcare center for your child, there are multiple details to examine to ensure that the center is a compatible fit for your needs. Not only do you want to check that the center meets all of your state's licensing requirements, but you should see if it has accreditation through the National Association for the Education of Young Children or National Early Childhood Program Accreditation.

These accreditations indicate that the center exceeds expectations and meets the proper standards to provide children with high-quality care. Here are a few other details to keep in mind as you evaluate potential childcare centers.

1. The Experience and Quality of the Caregivers



Look for a childcare center that employs experienced caregivers. When you visit the center for a tour, ask how many years the staff members have been providing child care or if they hold a degree in education or child care.

While someone with less experience and no degree may still be a good caregiver, chances are your child will get higher-quality care from someone with more experience and/or a formal education related to child development.

In addition to asking about education and experience, get a feel for how the caregivers act around children. Are the caregivers friendly and attentive? Do they look engaged rather than bored or distracted? According to Psychology Today, studies show that children benefit from having caregivers who are warm, kind, and responsive.

Also, search for a daycare with a history of low staff turnover. Low turnover is often an indicator that the center fosters a positive working environment.

If the child care center you’re looking at has caregivers who’ve worked there for several years, then that likely means their staff love what they do. And that passion for educating and caring for children will make your child’s experience at the facility a positive one as well.

2. The Availability of Extracurricular Activities

Many childcare centers partner with museums, libraries, parks, and recreational programs to enhance the children's learning experiences. It might devote specific portions of a designated day to a certain outing or schedule seasonal outings.

For example, the childcare center might have a weekly field trip to the library or it may take the children to see local plays and child-centered performances. Extracurricular outings outside of the childcare center exposure your child to a large variety of activities from a young age.

If you prefer a childcare center that offers multiple activities, make sure that you understand the pricing for these items. Some childcare centers may include the cost of these items in your monthly fee, while others might require you to pay for extra outings as they occur.

3. The Location of the Center

Give the location of your childcare center ample consideration, especially if you want the option to visit your child mid-day while you are at work. You may want to check in from time to time to observe the center firsthand or attend special activities. Or, if the mother is nursing, she might want to stop by for a daily nursing session.

Another logistical issue to examine is who will transport your child to and from their childcare program. The childcare center should be within close proximity to their daily commute. This makes pickup and drop-off more convenient, and it allows the individual who handles transportation to quickly pick-up your child when they are ill.

Are you searching for a childcare center that exceeds your expectations? Call Small World Early Learning and Development Centers today to receive more information about our programs. We are happy to answer any questions you have.