When entrusting the local daycare center, nursery or playgroup with your precious child, it is understandable that parents may be concerned. A parent can be worried that their child will not receive the same love, care, and attention that they receive at home. A parent might also be concerned with the safety of the daycare’s play equipment and resting facilities.
Although it is normal to be nervous, with some tips in what to look out for when selecting a daycare center a parent can entrust their child in the daycare’s care without real reason for concern.1. Hygiene – There are usually many children who play, eat and sleep in the daycare center, for many hours a day. This can lead to the spreading of many germs. Especially as the children are usually too young to be able to practice proper hygiene and are unable to wash their hands with soap, on their own. A parent should inquire as to what the daycare’s cleanliness schedule is. Do they use disposable liners on the changing tables? Do they wash the children’s hands with soap before they eat? Do they disinfect the tables, chairs and toys periodically? These are important question to look out for when inspecting the center.
2. Separation Anxiety – It is both normal and accepted for children to have a hard time being away from their parents for the first time. A parent understands that it is necessary and healthy for the child to develop independence. However, the parent does not want the child to cry for the six hours that he/she is left alone. Find out what their procedure is in helping the children “break-in” to the new schedule. Do they let the children cry? Do they have treats they provide? Do they call the parents for assistance?
3. Toy and Furniture Safety -
It is a parent’s primary concern that their child be safe and healthy at all times. While the child is away they spend many hours a day playing with toys. There are many toys that can be dangerous or hazardous for young children. A parent should inspect the play center to ensure that there are no toys with small pieces that can pose as a choking hazard and all corners should be rounded off or padded. There are many companies such as Jonti-craft who make all their toys and furniture kid-friendly. For example: Their hinges run straight down the doors so it can’t pinch fingers. There is also a company Children’s Factory who makes hundreds of soft play items and furniture to provide children with safe playing time.
Discipline – The discipline policy of the daycare center might be a concern to a parent. No loving parent wants their child to be disciplined in a harsher manner than necessary. Although the child might be very well-behaved, situations might arise during the day that requires discipline. Find out what their policy is. Do they hit the children? Do they withhold privileges? Are the children afraid of the staff? Select a warm, caring facility that will discipline with love and not out of anger.
Curriculum – All children should begin to receive their education from an early age. Even infants will develop physically and cognitively if given the appropriate toys. Find out if the center provides educational toys for the children that will benefit their growth and development. There are many toy manufacturers such as Melissa and Doug who make great quality toys that are specially designed to promote children’s development at all stages. The child should constantly be challenged to strive and grow with the toys, art supplies, books and puzzles that the center provides.
Of course, the parent should constantly communicate with the center to make sure their child is well-adjusted and happy, but with a bit of pre-planning you can feel confident as you wave goodbye to your child on their first day away from home.
QualityToys.com offers a large selection of high quality educational toys, therapy toys and classroom furniture. QualityToys.com’s mission is to provide parents, teachers and therapists with the products that are especially suited to their specific needs. Lea M., in charge of product research and development at Quality Toys, is the mother of an adorable little boy. She enjoys utilizing her research in both her personal and business life.
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