When it comes time to find the perfect childcare centre for your little one, there are many things to consider. It can be hard to know where to start! That’s why we’ve put together this list of seven questions that you should ask yourself when choosing a childcare centre. By asking yourself these questions, you’ll be able to find the best centre for your child that meets all of your needs.
1. What are the centre’s hours of operation?
You’ll want to make sure that the childcare centre you’re considering is open during the hours that you need it to be. This is especially important if you have an irregular or rotating work schedule.
Some centres are open early in the morning and close late at night, while others have more limited hours. There are also some centres that offer weekend and holiday care. Consider your needs and ensure that the centre you’re considering can meet them.
If you need extended hours or weekend care, ask about what those options would look like and how much they would cost. The bottom line is that you want to ensure the childcare centre you choose has hours that work for you and your family.
2. What are the centre’s policies on sick days?
Some centres have strict policies about only admitting healthy children, while others are more flexible. If your child is prone to getting sick often, or if you have a lot of work commitments, you’ll want to choose a centre that is more flexible when it comes to sick days.
Ask the staff about their policies on sick children and how they handle illnesses. Find out if there is a limit to the number of sick days your child can have in a year, and what happens if they exceed that limit. You should also ask about what medical conditions the centre is equipped to deal with.
3. What are the centre’s rates?
Childcare can be expensive, so you’ll want to make sure that the centre you choose is affordable for your family. Ask about the centre’s rates and what type of discounts they offer. Some centres offer sibling discounts, while others have sliding scale fees based on income.
Be sure to ask about any extra fees that may not be included in the base rate. Some centres charge for field trips or special activities, so you’ll want to factor those costs into your budget.
At the end of the day, you want to choose a centre that is affordable and gives you the best value for your money.
4. What is the centre’s philosophy?
When it comes to childcare, there are many different philosophies and approaches. Some centres focus on academics, while others place more emphasis on social and emotional development. There is no right or wrong answer here, but you’ll want to choose a centre that aligns with your own parenting philosophy.
Ask the staff about their approach to childcare and what they believe is important for children to learn. Find out if the centre uses any specific curriculum or teaching methods. This can help you get a better sense of whether or not the centre is a good fit for your family.
Keep in mind that every child is different, so even if a centre’s philosophy doesn’t align with your own, it could still be a good fit for your child.
5. What are the centre’s safety policies?
Safety is always a top priority when it comes to childcare, so you’ll want to make sure that the centre you choose has strict policies in place. Ask about the centre’s security measures and what they do in case of an emergency.
Find out if the staff are trained in CPR and first aid. Ask about the centre’s policies on food allergies and medication administration. You should also find out if there are any security cameras on the premises.
6. What are the centre’s facilities like?
When you’re touring a childcare centre, pay attention to the overall cleanliness and condition of the facility. Are the bathrooms clean and well-stocked? Is the outdoor play area safe and free of hazards?
Take some time to talk to the staff about their cleaning procedures. Find out how often the centre is cleaned and how they handle spills and accidents. You should also ask about the pest control policies to make sure that the centre is free of any unwanted critters.
7. What is the staff-to-child ratio?
The staff-to-child ratio is an important factor to consider when choosing a childcare centre. A higher ratio means that there will be more adults to supervise and care for the children. This can be beneficial if your child needs extra attention or has special needs.
However, a lower ratio can also be beneficial. This allows the children to get more one-on-one time with the adults, which can help them feel more comfortable and secure.
Conclusion: It can be hard to find the perfect childcare centre, but asking the right questions will help make the process a little easier. Once you consider your family’s needs and what you value most in a daycare, you can quickly narrow down your options. We hope this guide has been helpful and that you are able to find the best childcare for your family.
