Juggling between hectic work schedules and caring for your toddler is a near-impossible task. Luckily, daycares offer the much-needed help of caring for your kids. However, the thought of leaving young ones under the care of a stranger often scares many parents. Such feelings are perfectly normal since there is an emotional connection between parents and their children.
Children need love and individual attention. The process of finding the ideal child care is, therefore, exasperating. Some signs distinguish a good daycare from a bad daycare. Here are the things that you should check:
The Reputation of the Daycare
A primary concern among parents is the reputation of a care center. Make sure to select a facility with positive reviews. You can search for the center’s name online and see the responses of other parents. You can also get opinions about a daycare center from friends and family members.
Do you know that the first impression you get when visiting a kid’s care center is also vital? A center that doesn’t impress is not worth your kid’s stay.
Licensing
The necessary regulation of any daycare is a state license. This license indicates that the said care facility has permission to operate in Utah. It’s always a good practice to shun unregistered daycares. Apart from the Utah license, a quality daycare should also have other permissions from accredited health and child organizations.
Such organizations include the National Early Childhood Program Accreditation (NECPA), National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Programs (NAC), and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
Qualified Staff
One indication of an excellent daycare in Salt Lake City is the presence of well-educated personnel. A caregiver should have at least two years of college training. The training should also revolve around early childhood development. Whenever possible, the said caregivers should have additional knowledge in pediatric first aid, CPR, among other emergency response techniques.
An ideal daycare center should also be adequately staffed. There should be the right ratio between a caregiver and the number of kids under his/her care. Children should also be divided into groups depending on their respective ages.
Safe and Clean Facilities
From walls, walks, floors, fields, toilets to the kitchen, each corner of a good childcare center should be spotless. The sanitary conditions and food preparation must be hygienic. Kids are more prone to infections. It’s advisable to avoid centers with unhygienic conditions.
A proper center also has basic safety rules. Hazardous substances and sharp objects must be out of reach from toddlers. Other safety measures that ought to be present include fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and alarms.
The Best Daycare Center
Other than well-equipped facilities, proper staffing, and licenses, the right daycare should be easily accessible. It should be in a convenient or accessible place so that you will not have to travel far with your children. Your kids deserve the best care and education. Remember that choosing the right daycare will go a long way in shaping their future.