Nurseries - what to expect
Many parents opt for a daycare center
for their child as they like the fact that a team of qualified staff will be
taking care of their child and that he’ll be learning and playing in a
structured environment where he can socialize with other children of the same
and different ages.
Many parents choose their
child’s daycare center based on a personal recommendation, but keep in mind
that what’s ideal for one family may not necessarily suit you. Check out
several centers before making your final decision and start your search well in
advance of your baby’s birth, as good daycare centers fill up fast.
What are the advantages?
- A structured learning and play
environment for children – look for accreditation by the National Association
for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
- Your child is more likely to
be looked after by qualified staff – although state regulations vary, a license
indicates the center has met minimum health, safety and training standards.
- Staff are supervised.
- Centers are usually open all
year round with no holidays except public holidays.
- It means reliable childcare,
as you don’t have to work around a caregiver’s sickness or vacation time.
- Provides an opportunity for
your child to mix with other children and develop social skills.
- Offers an opportunity for you
to meet other working parents.
- It’s less expensive than a nanny.
What are the disadvantages?
- No one-to-one care, unlike
with a nanny or home daycare and may not be the best option for very young babies, who benefit
from individual attention.
- Higher possibility of your
child catching colds and other infectious diseases.
- Fixed pick-up times may be a
problem if you work late.
- Set rules for all children and
parents.
- Charges will be higher than
you’d pay for home daycare. They’ll be still higher if you live in a busy city
and if your baby is under 12 months of age, since babies require more care; you
may also be expected to pay for days when the center is closed, such as public
holidays and breaks such as Thanksgiving.
What to look for in a daycare? center
- A good ratio of staff to
children. State requirements vary but the NAEYC rates one caregiver to every
three to four babies or children as the ideal, with no more than eight babies
or 12 older children to a group.
- Do the children look happy and
engaged in meaningful activity or play?
- Is the center clean and
tidy?Are there any displays around the center of the children’s work?
- Are the staff actively
engaging with the children?
- Does the center follow a
curriculum that includes a balance of activities?
- Does the nursery have clear
policies on behavior, health and safety, emergencies etc?
- Is there an outdoor play area?
If so, check that the equipment is safe and well maintained, and that the area
is secure.
- How flexible is the center
about drop-off and pick-up times?
- Do you have to prepare your
child’s meals or does the center offer food? If it does, have a look at the
menu options for that week.
- References and good
word-of-mouth.
• Child Care Aware (www.childcareaware.org) can provide details of local daycare centers.
National Association for the
Education of Young Children (www.naeyc.org)
can provide details of local
accredited daycare centers.
The information in this feature is intended for
educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the
health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a
doctor or other healthcare professional.
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Last Modified: 15/06/2007