10 Things to Consider When Choosing Childcare

Whether it is for your first child or fifth, choosing childcare is no easy task. There are so many factors to consider that will go into your final decision on which childcare center will be the right one for you and your child.

Here are the top 10 things to look for when considering childcare.

1. Security & Safety. Ask who has access to the building, and how is it accessed. Key card? Buzzer? Consider the drop-off and pick-up procedures. Will everyone be asked to identify themselves when picking up a child? And check the safety features such as outlet covers, locked cabinets and cleaning chemicals and other dangers out of reach for your little ones.
2. Cleanliness. Is the room vacuumed daily? How clean are the restrooms? Is there soap and sanitizer available for – not only the children but the teachers and staff as well. A clean childcare facility is essential for the health, safety and well-being of your child.
3. Child to Staff Ratio. According to the National Resource Center that ratio depends on what ages are being cared for. It can range from 3:1 for 24 – 35 months to 10:1 for 6 – 8-year-olds.
4. Accreditation. Keystone STARS is Pennsylvania’s rating system for early learning and development programs in school-age child-care. Early learning centers in the Keystone STARS program can receive a rating score from 1 – 4.
5. Communication Policy. How will the staff and caregivers communicate with you? Can you receive updates throughout the day or will you be able to call in at any time with questions? Do they have the latest technology to be able to communicate at a moment’s notice?
6. Healthy Snacks & Meals. What are your children being fed throughout the day? Are you required to provide their snacks and meals or can they be purchased or a part of the overall cost?
7. Enrichment/Activities.  Is the center’     s curriculum enhanced with enrichment programs? There should be opportunities for your child to move and play throughout the day. Studies show enrichment programs are vital to a high-quality early childhood curriculum. Also ask the staff if there will there be any field trip offerings to allow your child to experience places outside of their daily atmosphere.
8. Reviews/Word of Mouth. You’ve heard the saying before, word-of-mouth can be the best source of advertising. What are other moms saying about the childcare center? Are there Google reviews online or posts on social media? Follow up with the center if you find a concerning review that has you questioning whether it is the right choice.
9. Schedule Flexibility. Some childcare centers only offer certain days and certain times, so it’s important that the schedule fits your life and is most convenient for you and your child.
10. Play Areas. Fun is important too. Are there areas for play time both indoor and outdoor?

 Choosing a childcare center is no easy task, but taking these 10 things into consideration should help lower the stress on the decision making process.

By Raychel Adiutori

Raychel is a mom of two young school-aged girls in Erie, Pa.