Eight Factors to Consider When Choosing a Day Care Provider

Imagine that you have a new baby and your leave from work is about to run out. Unless you're lucky enough to be able to take the kidlet to work, you're going to have to choose a day care provider. Space is limited in most day care centers, so you're going to have to make up your mind quickly. Here are six guidelines to help you decide.

Decide what type of care you want

Day care centers provide opportunities for your child to be socialized early, but they are staffed by too few employees who are not paid very well. The workers have a tendency to be spread too thinly.

A family day care, which is provided in a private home, is a more loving atmosphere than a day care center. Psychologists say that even though the child bonds to the provider in this case, parents need not worry as this relationship is independent of the parent/child relationship. But there could be problems if all members of the provider's family don't support the operation.

You could choose to have a sitter come into your home and care only for your child. Although this option sounds as if it will give you the most control over the situation, we've all heard the horror stories about au pairs. Unless you want to install cameras to keep your employee accountable at all times you will have to hire someone who comes with extensive references.

Referrals

Ask everyone you know what day care provider they recommend. Even the day care centers with waiting lists will refer you to another center.

Make sure the provider meets all guidelines

All employees should of course be certified in CPR and first aid. In addition, all employees should be able to pass a background check. Child development experts also advise that professionally trained providers are preferable to informally trained ones.

Visit providers

Ask if you can come in after hours so you will have the provider's full attention. See how your child reacts to the provider and how he or she reacts to your child. Don't be afraid to follow your own instincts.

How well-kept is the facility?

All the toys and equipment should be in good order and clean. But beware of a place that is too clean, especially a home as this may be a sign that children are confined to a playpen during the day when the parents aren't there to see.

Consider the price

Individual care in your home is the most expensive because the provider has to commute. The next best price is the family day care and the day care center is the least expensive.

Does the provider consider your child's development?

You may have to change day care providers as your child grows. The person or people who are most nurturing when your child is an infant may not be suitable to handle the needs of a toddler. Later, you may want to move the child from day care to preschool so the activities will change from an emphasis on play to a focus on learning.

What is the caregiver to child ratio?

Choose the smallest number of children per caregiver that you can afford to avoid emotional and behavioral problems in your child.