Choosing a Daycare Facility That's Right For You

Leaving your child with a stranger for an extendedAsking around for a good daycare facility is a great
period of time can be a difficult and scaryway to begin your search. If you have friends with
ordeal-especially if it is your first time to do so.children in daycare, they can be a great resource for
However, planning ahead and doing a little bit ofrecommendations. However, it is very important that
research can help ensure that your child stays happy,you still personally visit any daycare facility
healthy and safe.recommended to you. It is NOT enough to base your
Here are a few tips that may help you choose thechoice solely on the recommendation of a friend.
daycare facility that is the best fit for you and yourVisiting a Daycare Facility
child / children.When you are ready to visit a facility in person, there
Know What You Wantare a few things you should pay attention to.
Before you even start looking at daycare facilities, sit· How clean is the facility? Does it look like the
down and make a list of expectations you may have.areas (inside and outside) where children play are
It is important to do this before you start lookingcleaned regularly?
because once you begin the process, it is easy to· Does the facility appear safe? Are there any
simply focus on the positive and negative qualities of aitems lying around that could be potentially dangerous if
particular facility and forget about the bigger picture ofhandled by a child?
what all is available.· Notice the other children in the facility. Are
Some examples of things to consider are:they happy? Healthy? Are they receiving adequate
· Do you want a daycare facility that only hiresattention from the staff?
people with child care training / certification?· Talk to the staff. Ask them questions about
· Do you want a facility that requirestheir time working for that particular facility and their
immunizations for its staff and clients?other experience in child care.
· Is it important for you that the facility include· Finally, if you have a chance, talk to other
some educational program, or is it enough for yourparents who send their children to that facility. Ask
child to just play with other children?them if they are satisfied with the level of care their
· Does it matter to you how long a givenchild receives and if they have any complaints.
facility has been in business?By planning in advance and asking the right questions,
· Do you want a daycare that is part of ayou will hopefully find a daycare facility that is a
national chain or privately owned?perfect match for you and your child / children.
Once you have assembled a list of priorities, you areIf you would like more information on safety in daycare
ready to begin your search.facilities, contact the Indianapolis Child Injury Lawyers at
Word of Mouththe Charles D. Hankey Law Office today.