Tips for Choosing the Best Infant Day Care for Your Family

by Jose Malave I am an author.

There are some basic things you should know in making the all-important decision of choosing the best child-care option. It definitely is a BIG decision if you are thinking about leaving your baby with someone else all day, every work day. But, in no way is it wrong if you are planning to go back to your 9-to-5. There are plenty of excellent child care options, from nannies to babysitters and more, infant daycare East Hanover NJ, being one of your best options provided you select the right center/day care facility since many facilities offer exceptional care with licensed, trained caregivers in an environment where your little one will receive valuable socialization with other kids of similar age.

First and foremost, identify your priorities and search for centers based on you and your child’s needs. After you’ve zeroed in on a few, call and schedule an interview with the center. During the meeting, discuss about the facility and staff’s accreditations, the curriculum offered, and the center’s health policies, to name a few. Trust your gut when making a final decision and discuss it with your partner or other family members.

A good day care program can offer significant advantages, such as socialization, education, continuous care, reliability and more. It’s advisable that you start looking at least two months before you plan to go back to work.

Here’s a roundup of what new parents should look for in a day care to be able to easily handle your post-baby life:

Licensing/Accreditation- A license doesn’t directly indicate care quality, it is just permission to conduct the business. In addition to that, high-quality day care facilities will seek national accreditation, which includes health and safety reviews, staff qualifications, curriculum evaluation, and staff and family cooperation from reputed organizations. It’s also advisable that you consult with other parents, your pediatrician, etc.

Safety Policies- Child security should be a top priority for day care centers. As parents, one of the most important things to look for is evidence that your potential day care values child security. Make sure the center follows the basic rules of safety, such as smoke detectors should be in place, medicines and hazardous substances should be out of reach, outdoor play area should be secure, a first aid kit and fire extinguisher should be close at hand, covered outlets, safety gates, door latches, etc.

A Stimulating Curriculum- The best way to gain information on classroom curriculum is by reviewing their website (if available). The best day care facilities have structured schedules with time properly divided between physical activity, quiet time, group programs, individual activities, and meals and snacks. You may consider dropping in unannounced and request to review organic classroom activity.

Other ways to size-up a child-care option:

1. Do a policy check

2. Drop by/Check the center out in person (look at the place for yourself to assess whether it meets your needs)

3. Check references

4. Spend some time with the teachers

Last, but not the least trust your gut, you’ll know when something doesn’t feel quite right.