by Sheree Mitchell

I am returning to work and will need to put my children in daycare. How can I be sure I’m choosing a good one?

Returning to work is a big step for the entire family. Mom and Dad must be confident that they have chosen the right place for their little one. It must be a safe environment that is clean and has good health practices, an early childhood education program based on hands-on learning (not ditto sheets!) and most importantly, has loving, well-trained teachers who nurture and treat each child with respect and as an individual.

In making this important choice, parents should spend the necessary time talking with current and former parents, visiting the center and classroom at least twice, studying the playground for safety issues, meeting the teachers, reviewing the curriculum and talking personally with the center director. Ask about the center’s licensing history.

Here are a few additional tips:
Infants: Does each child receive one-on-one time with a loving caregiver? Is there a low number of babies to each teacher? Does the teacher laugh and talk with the baby? Is the classroom filled with music, books, soft play areas and age-appropriate toys?

Toddlers and Twos: Are the children separated in small groups for individualized care? Are the children instructed in self-help skills? Does the classroom present varied play opportunities for these busy little children? Look for music, art, gross motor play, fine motor development, science, lots of books, puppets and safe blocks.

Threes and Fours: At this age, children soak up new concepts like a sponge! Classrooms should be filled with print—books, music, books on tapes and all classroom furniture should be labeled. Look for well-defined learning centers to include blocks, manipulatives (math), writing, reading, dramatic play, science, computers, art, listening center, sand and water, music and table toys. If the instruction of phonics is important to you, ask to see the program.

Of course, most important is your peace of mind. Building a long term, trusting relationship with the center management and staff is crucial to balancing your new work life and your child’s overall wellbeing. Remember, your relationship with your child’s school is a partnership….you aren’t in it alone!

Sheree Mitchell is founder of Growing Room Child Development Centers serving 900 children in the Chattahoochee Valley. Growing Room was the National Small Business of the Year in 2004.