Top 5 Hidden Things To Look For When Searching For The Best Childcare
When finding the best childcare for your family, it is important to look beyond the surface. Many things can make a childcare center great, some of which may be hidden from plain sight. Here are five hidden things to look for when searching for the best care for your child.
- Freezer Space
- Books In The Classroom
- Room for Play
- Security Equipment
- Social Credit
Freezer Space
Surprised? Most parents would never think about the amount of freezer space when searching for a childcare center, but it can tell you a lot. Less freezer space means fresher ingredients are used in meal preparation for the kids. It also means that the center is less likely to have a lot of processed foods on hand.
Books In The Classrooms
When you tour a childcare center, take a look at the books and toys available to the children. A good mix of books (including storybooks, non-fiction, etc.) and toys (including those that encourage active play) indicates that the center is committed to providing a well-rounded learning environment for its students.
More importantly, do the books in the classroom promote the same values and respect for diversity you want your child to learn at home? Look for books that reflect all types of families and show pictures of people from different backgrounds.
Room for Play
The best childcare centers will have plenty of room for kids to run around and play both inside and out. This indicates that the staff understands the importance of physical activity for young children and makes an effort to provide opportunities for it.
In addition, look for signs that the play area is well-maintained. This includes cleanliness, age-appropriate toys and equipment, and a safe surface for kids to play on.
Safety in the Details
While most childcare centers have some form of security in place (such as cameras or secured entrances), the best ones will go above and beyond in every detail to keep their students safe. Paying attention to small details like the color of asphalt on the playground, softened furniture corners in the classroom, and the teacher training model- can all point towards the thought put into every part of your child’s environment. You’ll also want to gauge the center’s culture towards unexpected visits. Do they welcome parents to drop by unannounced, or do they seem hesitant that they need to be “on” when parents arrive?
Social Credit
When searching for a childcare center, ask around for recommendations from friends, family, and other parents in your community. See if they have an active community on social media. A good reputation is one of the best indicators that a center is providing quality care for its students. In addition, check online review sites to see what other parents are saying about the center.
Finding the best childcare for your family is important, and there are many factors to consider. By looking for these five hidden things, you can be sure you’re choosing a program that goes above and beyond for their kids and families.
What would you add to the list? Connect with us on social to share your thoughts on what to look for when choosing a childcare partner.
