| If you've visited a children's daycare center- could you | | | | child grows and develops at their own rate. Children |
| point out the most important characteristics that would | | | | should participate in activities that challenge and nature |
| make that center a great place for a child to attend? | | | | that child. Reading books, outside play, art, time spent |
| Most parents looking for a daycare are hit with a slew | | | | learning how to get along with others is all very |
| of questions they need to answer when searching out | | | | important to a child's development. Teaching them |
| care. | | | | communication and social behavior becomes so very |
| And the same as goes for the provider who is running | | | | important when a child prepares for school. |
| a child center. What are parents looking for in daycare | | | | 3. Consistent Relationship with One Provider: |
| and what exactly is an "excellent child care program". | | | | Developing a nurturing, caring relationship with one |
| There are 4 Important Traits that characterize | | | | individual over time is so very important to a child's |
| excellent child care centers. | | | | development. Children are looking for consistency, love, |
| 1. There is a team effort among all who work there: A | | | | reassurance that they are in a safe environment. The |
| daycare center can consist of one provider or many. | | | | provider should engage in regular conversation with the |
| Regardless of the numbers there should be a mission | | | | children present in daycare. |
| statement that commits to the child and the family as | | | | 4. Policies that support safety in a daycare center: |
| well. When all individuals work together to provide an | | | | Daycare centers that are licensed are under strict |
| environment that is loving, caring, supportive of the | | | | accordance by their state licensing bureau. They must |
| family unit there is a united commitment to quality care. | | | | listen to their state agency on rules and safety, which |
| Daycare's that have issues with gossiping, truancy, | | | | is intended to keep all children safe and out of harms |
| teacher turnover, are not centers that are united for | | | | way. Also daycare centers that are licensed are |
| the well being of the child. | | | | visited by the licensing bureau and the fire department. |
| 2. There is a curriculum that supports growth in the | | | | Daycare centers must also have in writing policies |
| child: A childcare center should be a bright, cheery, | | | | regarding sickness, accidents, and closings. Each |
| happy and fun place to go full of interesting things to | | | | parent should be exactly clear on what the daycare's |
| look at, touch and experience. | | | | policies are to avoid any disasters or communication |
| Daycare centers should have a development program | | | | problems in the future. |
| for each age group with an understanding that each | | | | (c) 2006 CG Groth Inc. |