It's always challenging to drop off a child for their first day at a day care facility. No matter what, you will still think about this child while you're working. But there are a small number of items you can try to make the outdoor play Draper Ut process easier.
Before Your Decision
- Schedule a Visit: There is a wide spectrum of day care facilities, from spotless and spacious to dirty and out-of-date. You'll want to take a look inside to get a good look at the interior and familiarize yourself with the staff.
- Review Accreditation: This means that a day care program meets a set of standards that are beyond what is mandated through law. The National Association of Young Children (NAEYC), the National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Programs (NAC), and the National Early Childhood Program Accreditation (NECPA) are three accrediting organization to look for.
- Check Adult-to-Child Ratio: A critical aspect of quality day care is not enrolling too many children for each member of the staff. A ratio of one adult to every four children is appropriate for infants, while ten children per adult is the standard for four-year-olds.
After Your Decision
- Meet Regularly: Set up frequent follow-up visits with the day care center staff. This ensures that you are always current on your child's behavior, what they are learning, and upcoming events at the facility.
- Volunteer: There are volunteer appointments at almost any day care facility. This doesn't just pertain to reading to children. There is also a need for parents to come after hours to clean or repair the facility.
- Changing Your Mind is OK: If you change your mind about the day care center you have selected, it's your right to select a new one. The health of your child is of incredible importance and difficult conversations should not get in the way.