The most common topics that come to a parent’s mind when looking into daycare are health and safety. They will (and should) have numerous questions when visiting a centre, especially if it’s their first time looking into daycare for their child. The process of choosing a good daycare in Markham, Ontario, or any other location in Canada, could be overwhelming if you’re unsure where to start.

But with due diligence, the choice doesn’t have to be tough. Here, we look at important factors to consider, along with questions you need to ask yourself when searching for a daycare facility in Canada.

A Few Tips to Choosing the Right Daycare Facility in Canada

 

When it comes to any daycare, keeping your children safe and healthy is vital. They should be able to prevent injuries and handle emergencies promptly. Let’s examine what you should look for in daycare to ensure your child’s safety and security.

1. Open Door Policies & Security

Ask about the centre’s front door security. It should have a secure entrance, and front doors should be properly locked, or under supervision. In addition, you should also consider the following:

●        What are their drop-off and pick-up procedures?
●        How do families enter the daycare?
●        How do authorized visitors, or someone apart from parents, pick up the children?
●        Are parents allowed to visit anytime to see their children, nurse them, or have food with them?
●        Is CCTV installed and operational?

2. First Aid & Medication

Staff should be up-to-date and well-trained in case of any health emergency. Having an in-house nurse to provide first aid or necessary medication is preferable. As a parent, always consider the following:

●        Do teachers and other staff members have proper training in CPR and first aid? Are their certificates up to date?
●        Is there any required training available at the centre to ensure staff and teachers are properly trained in case of emergency?

 

3. 1:1 Supervision

Teacher-to-child ratios vary between provinces, there are a few mandates which need to be followed by all proper daycare facilities. So, as a parent, you should always inquire about:

●        The ratios are maintained in the classrooms.
●        How the kids are supervised and observed by teachers.
●        Whether the teachers follow a roll call procedure for attendance or have biometrics installed in the centre. This will ensure that staff members are aware of the number of kids in their daycare at all times.

 

4. Food & Allergy Management

If your child has any food allergies, you might give a second thought to enrolling them in daycare. To be safe, confirm whether the centre has solid policies in place to manage allergies. Ask these questions before making any decision:

●        Is there any allergy treatment or reaction prevention available?
●        How are food allergies in children handled by staff?
●        How does the centre keep track of whose food is whose?
●        How do teachers ensure that every child is receiving the correct food?
●        What happens in case of any allergy-related emergency?

 

5. Cleanliness and Sanitation

We all wish for a clean environment for our children. Especially in the wake of COVID-19, parents could be panicky. That’s why it’s imperative as a parent to take note of the cleanliness and sanitization policies they follow. Visit their classrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, offices, common rooms and hallways. Ask these questions:

●        How are toys and other items regularly handled by children cleaned on a daily basis?
●        How well are surfaces disinfected throughout the day and after closing?
●        Who is responsible for cleaning the classrooms?
●        Do they have professional sanitization services that deep clean the centre regularly?
●        What are the diaper changing procedures and garbage dumping policies?
●        Do they offer potty training? How does that policy work?

Never hesitate to ask questions when visiting daycares in Markham or anywhere else in Canada. Health and safety are the most important factors when choosing a daycare. There is nothing greater than the peace of mind that comes with the thought of your child being in a safe, healthy, and well-cared-for facility!