Finding Quality Childcare

I’ve been the stay at home full-time mom, the stay at home mom with a “work from home” business, and the parent who has outside employment. The most exhausting – and often the loneliest – was the stay at home full-time mom job. I embraced my job, read parenting books, scanned the latest research, and worked on a good relationship with my daughter. For me, it was (still is) important to be as conscientious about parenting as any other career.

But there came a time when family finances demanded I earn income outside our home. So, before my employment, I sought out quality childcare for our daughter. The better the childcare, the better off my child would be socially.

This is becoming a critical issue for parents as 64 percent of mothers now work outside the home. As a result someone other than their mother is caring for over half the babies under one year on a routine basis.

Some of these tips may guide you if you’re in the “market” for quality childcare, too. Or if you already have a childcare arrangement match it against these:

• The center or private home is generally clean, well lit and ventilated. You should find the play area cluttered with toys but it could still look and smell clean. A well-lighted play area promotes your youngster’s eye-hand skill. Good ventilation prevents recycling the same old germs.

• Parents feel comfortable asking questions. If you ask several questions and the caregivers seem offended or avoid your inquisition, leave! When they are proud of the facility and knowledgeable they will be eager to offer information.

• Parents are told to drop in anytime. You want to make sure that caregivers welcome parents for lunch, special activities, or just for observing.

• Parenting literature and child development resources are available. You want your tot in an environment where parent education and professional growth is encouraged. The great minds are always learning.

• Toys and play equipment are child sized, age-appropriate, regularly maintenanced and cleaned.

• Pictures and room decor is down on the child’s eye level. Remember this is a place for children, not adults.

• Adult turnover is low. A stream of new caregivers is unpleasant to young children. It may signal to you that a relationship problem exists between staff and the director, a problem that trickles down to your child.

• Children are touched frequently in positive and affirming ways. Children need to be touched, even if it’s a pat on the back, or holding hands during games.

• Each is addressed by name. There should be a minimal use of group terms like “the infants,” “babies” or “kids.”

• Caregivers are trained in early childhood education. If not degreed, they should be participating in continuing education every year.

• Look for a low adult/child ratio. The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) recommends one caregiver to three or four infants (birth to 12 months), one caregiver to four or five toddlers (12 to 24 months), and at least one caregiver for six 2-year-olds. Smaller groups or a lower ratio has been found to promote more positive interactions and more individualized curriculum.

• Child-rearing and discipline philosophies are similar to yours. You want leave your child in an environment consistent with yours at home.

• Sign in and out policies are enforced. Especially if you leave your little one in a large center with lots of foot traffic, security precautions are a must.

Be wary of the caregiver with the “Honey, I’ve been tendin’ kids for 20 years an I know all there is to raisin’ babies!” attitude. A caregiver worth her salt – and your money – needs to learn about your child and continually sharpen her care giving skills.

Research proves that parents have an important influence on their child’s development regardless of how much out-of-home care children receive. Whether you are home or work outside the home you are still your child’s most influential teacher.

©Copyright 1998, Brenda Nixon

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