Finding Child Care

I have worked in child care for over 6 years. I have a college diploma in Early Childhood Education and a university degree in History/Child Psychology. I have the education and experience, yet I never saw it coming. All these years, I never fully appreciated the stress parents were under when they came for a tour of my centre. I never realized just how hard it was to pick the perfect daycare for a child. That was, until I became a parent myself. In April 2007, I came to the realization that my maternity leave was quickly coming to an end and I would have to return to work. My current centre does not accept infants, so I would have to put my daughter in another daycare while I went to work. Looking back on my search, I would have loved some advice or guidance from someone who knew both sides of the situation. Perhaps my experience can help other parents who are starting their search for the perfect caregiver for their child and help them avoid some of the stress involved.

Trust Your Gut

Parents know their child best, and regardless of a centres reputation, if you don't have a good feeling or something feels "off", RUN. Not every centre is perfect for every child. Your neighbour may love their Montessori-based childcare, but it might not be the environment your child needs.

Substance, not Style

Higher prices and long wait lists does not mean a better centre. Do not be swayed by glitz and glamour. The brand new, high tech centre on the corner may look impressive from the outside, but it's the inside that really counts. On the flip side, do not discount a small centre with the older playground. The right staff, environment, toys, supervisor etc. can really make the most of a centre.

Tour the Centre

Does the centre require you to make an appointment or can you drop in at any time? While I can understand tours take time and a supervisor may also be doubling as staff on the floor in some centres, parents should be welcome to visit at any time. In my opinion, a centre that insists on after hour tours may be trying to hide something. A parent should always insist on seeing the centre during operation hours. Keep in mind, visiting during sleep time or meals may be distracting for the children. You may be asked to return at a scheduled time for an interview or to fill out paperwork should you decide this centre is right for you. This is understandable, as the staff will likely be caring for children during your visit and may not be able to devote 100% of their attention to you.

Staff Qualifications

Are staff credentials displayed? Ensure the staff are qualified. In Ontario, there should be a qualified staff member in every room. In addition to qualified staff, ratios may be maintained using assistants. Ratios (in Ontario) are as follows:

• Infants - 3:1
• Toddlers - 5:1
• Preschool - 8:1

Watch the Staff with the Children

Are their interactions genuine and loving? Does the staff seem to enjoy their job? Be wary of staff that seem tense or unsure of themselves. These will be the people your child will be spending a large part of their day with.

Are the Children Happy?

Do the children appear to be busy and engaged in their activities? How is the day scheduled? Is there a lot of teacher directed activities or child directed activities? Ask to the see the daily schedule. You know your child's likes and dislikes, is the program something your child would enjoy? Ask about outdoor play and sleep time. In Ontario, these are regulated by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services, and are required at every licensed centre.

Vacation and Sickness

Ask about sickness and vacation policies. Are they in line with your family's expectations?

Behaviour Management

Discuss the behaviour management policy. Is the centres method for directing behaviour similar to your family's beliefs?

Food and Meal Times

Ask to see the menu. Is there a variety of food? Is it made on site or catered? How often is the menu rotated? Are there choices for a variety of cultures? Will your child get the opportunity to try new things? Does the menu address any allergies your child may have?

Outdoor Playground

Tour the playground. Does it appear well maintained and safe? Child cares are required to maintain daily playground logs as well as perform monthly and seasonal inspections. A third party must be hired yearly to conduct an in depth playground inspection. Is there an area for running/climbing/sand play? Is there adequate shade for hot days? Are there age appropriate toys and equipment. Is there enough equipment for the number of children the playground services?

This is just a general overview of some things to think of while touring different centres. In future articles we will discuss specific things to look for in your child's classroom, different educational philosophies and home-based versus centre-based child care.