How Do I find the Right Child Care Center
Trying to find the right child care center can be hard. You want to choose the best early learning program available. You want nothing less than the best for your child. What do you look for so your child will be safe, happy and learning? Some things are a matter of preference, like choosing between an in home child care and a center.
How to Begin
- Search for a program that meets your needs. Hours of operation, convenient location and a good learning program are good places to start.
- Keystone STARS facility. Keystone STARS rates child care programs from one to four STARS on many important things like: Teacher qualifications and teacher interactions, classroom equipment and materials, curriculum and really the program as a whole. Keep in mind a new center will maintain a STAR one for at least the first 6 months after opening.
- Look for an atmosphere that is kid-friendly with areas and activities that are age appropriate.
- Look closely at the classrooms. your child may spend many, many hours a week in the classroom. You should find learning areas. For example in classrooms where children are 3 and older you should find: Dramatic play, blocks, manipulatives, a sensory table, art materials, science and music.
- Does the facility use the Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards in curriculum and learning activities?
- Is the entrance secure?
Keep in mind that classroom capacity is limited. Positions for a great child care center go fast!
Do your Research
We recommend visiting as many child care facilities in the area to compare and decide what is best for your child. Visit during the time your child would be there so you can see activities taking place. Take your child with you to see how your child reacts to the facility.
How to Prepare for the Visit
Be prepared with a list of question ahead of time. Don’t be afraid to ask tough questions. a good center will be able to comfortably answer.
Be sure to ask about the curriculum, STEAM programs, second language, social-emotional program and what the daily schedule looks like. Is there a large gross motor space to play, are meals included in the price and do they enroll school age children. Very young children grow quickly and you want to find a location you won’t need to change due to a lack of school age transportation to the center.
Check out our Curriculum
Making Your Decision
After touring the facilities, reflect on each visit.
- Were all of the questions answered adequately?
- Did the environment feel child centered? Did it feel right?
- Is transportation to and from the local school district provided?
Don’t hesitate to call with any additional questions after the tour. It’s a big decision! When you have made your decision you can expect to have an enrollment meeting to sign paperwork and set up the billing account.
First Day Planning
Your learning center should have an atmosphere where you can be comfortable. Having staff who understand the first few days may mean some children may struggle during drop off is important. At Foundations, we will partner with you. We are here not only for your child, but for your whole family.