Finding a place for your child to spend the day away from home can be an overwhelming process. Trusting someone with your children can be scary at first, but if you have some ideas of what to look for, it can help you feel more prepared to make a choice. Here are 10 things to consider:
1. Find out the ages of the other children in the home. There are benefits to all kinds of age combinations of children in a Day Home, but you will be the best judge as to what your child needs. Do you have another little one on the way and want your child to get used to interacting with infants? Would he or she benefit from an older role model?
2. Location, location, location. Is there a park nearby? Is the yard fenced in? How long is it going to take to travel to in the winter? Is it walking distance to a school if the child attends there? Does your provider know his/her neighbors?
3. Check if the Day Home is accredited. Providers signed with an accredited agency have strict government guidelines that have to be followed for them to continue to run. This includes healthy meal planning, appropriate discipline, accident reporting and maintaining safety regulations. The providers are also required to have a minimum level of education in the field.
4. Ask as many questions as you can think of! Call your friends and see what they like about their Day Home (and what they don’t!). It may inspire you to think of questions that will apply to your specific needs. Some examples may include: Do you have back-up care if there is an emergency or someone becomes ill? Am I required to pack snacks? Will there be visitors to the home during the day home hours?
5. Get references. Think about how nice it would be to hear another parent tell you that their child was happy there!
6. Fees. Most providers, (accredited or not) set their own fees. It will be worth your time to find out if holidays, sick days and late fees are included.
7. Consider the dynamic of personalities. Of course, you want to make sure your child feels comfortable with the provider. But don’t forget that there will be a lot of communication between parent and provider. Do you think you will be able to effectively resolve any problems that may arise?
8. Expectations. Be clear in your interview process about what you expect from your provider. Do you want your child to do a craft every day? Would you like a five-minute recap at the end of the day? It is always better to ask for what you need rather than expect something that the provider is not used to doing.
9. Day trips. You may or may not want your child to go off-site. Some providers organize music classes, swimming time, library trips or other activities that require leaving the home. If they do, it is a good idea to ask if the cost is included or if it is extra. Discuss these things first so that it does not cause a problem if a trip is planned.
10. Activity plans. It is reasonable to ask the provider to give specific examples of how the children will be stimulated and given opportunities to explore during the day. Don’t be afraid to give the provider details about what your child likes to do or what you would like him or her to try.
At the end of the day, I really believe that parents know their children best and your instincts should help you make your final decision. If you talk to your provider before hand, you may be able to negotiate a two-week trial period where you can cancel registration if things just are not working out.
There are many parents out there who are frustrated and worried about finding the right place for their child, but I can assure you the right place is out there!
Tamara has a Bachelor of Applied Child Studies Degree, a Children's Mental Health certificate and has been working in the field of child care and education for over 10 years. She is a native Calgarian, and a mother of a happy and healthy toddler.
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