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Child Care GuideChoosing child care for your childIf you are deciding to return to work after having your baby or have a child pre-school age who needs looking after during the day then making the right choice for child care in your absence is the most important decision you will have to make.We know the importance of a child's first years and you are going to be very apprehensive at the thought of leaving your child for hours in the care of strangers, but there are certain points and questions you should consider which can help you make the right choice. It is wise not to rush into this decision and you should visit several chid care centers before finally making the choice, a child care center which is well run with qualified staff will always welcome visits from parents and providing you call before hand to make an appointment they are more than willing to sit and talk with you and answer any questions that you may have regarding the center. On the visit you should stay for at least an hour to observe the activities and routine that the day care center has, never be afraid to ask whatever questions come to mind even if you think they might sound silly, staff at the day care centers will be quite used to parents asking and understand how hard it can be to make the decision to leave your child in their care. There are several important questions you should consider and ask on your visit such as: The child care Director's qualifications * Has the Director of the child care center got a bachelor's degree in child care or a child related field? * Has the director got at least two years experience in working in child care? * Does the Director understand the importance of the early years in a child's life? The lead teacher or head of child day care center staff * Does the lead teacher have a bachelor's degree in child care? * Does the lead teacher give the appropriate toys for the child's age? * Is the lead teacher experienced, have they worked in child care for at least 1 year? Is there enough child care supervision? * Do the children receive enough supervision, ask if they are supervised while they are taking naps. * What discipline procedures does the child care center have? For example do the children understand it? Is the discipline fair? Is it consistent? What is the child care center's policy on cleanliness? * Are older children taught to wash their hands after using the bathroom? * Is the place where nappies are changed clean, is the bathroom clean? * Do care givers make sure the child is never alone if being changed off the floor; do they keep a hand on them all the time? * Do care givers clean and sanitize the changing area after every change? How many child carers' work there? * What is the staff to child ration, are there enough carers to ensure that each child gets the attention they need? * What policy does the day care center have regarding unruly children or children with learning difficulties? Are all child carers qualified in giving first aid? * Do the carer's know how to give basic first aid? * How many carers' have a certificate in first aid including resuscitation techniques? * Are all staff trained in safe sleeping policies for example, are the children on their backs without stuffed toys or pillows around them that could suffocate them? Medication you child might need? * Are the carer's trained in giving medication to those that need it? * Is the medication kept in a safe place and clearly labeled with the child's name, age and address? Play areas and play grounds * Are the areas in which the children play safe? * Is the outside area fenced off? * If there is a sandbox is it cleaned everyday? * Is the grounds inspected everyday for hazards? Filed under: Child Care & Child Carers Guide |
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