When it comes to finding a new daycare facility, many parents become overwhelmed, confused, and stressed. We all want to find a daycare with quality professionals who will treat our kids as if they were their own. We also want to work with a daycare that is flexible and affordable, but we cannot sacrifice quality for price. Here is some advice for navigating the daycare options out there so that you can find a daycare that is both trustworthy and affordable for your family.
Consider Your Needs
First you will want to determine what your expectations are for a daycare facility since this can impact the pricing and convenience. It is best to narrow down your search to a particular area. Should this location be near the school your children attend or close to your home or job? Be realistic about what will make the most sense for you and your children’s’ daily routine. Also consider what type of environment you are looking for. Some daycares are large in size, which can be great if you want your kids to interact with lots of other children on a regular basis. Also it can provide them with more opportunities for unique activities and events. In addition, you may be able to meet other families at the day care. There are also smaller options available. You may feel more at ease working with a daycare that is small, such as a facility within someone’s home. These are more close-knit communities. Look into all of these options to compare pricing in your area.
Word of Mouth
Next, ask around. The best way to learn about quality day care is by word of mouth. Talk to other parents you know who live nearby. You may even ask other parents in your workplace. If you don’t have any connections, call daycares you are interested in and ask if they would be willing to put you I contact with a parent whose child is currently under their care and supervision. This will provide you with the inside scoop. Also, contacting professionals can be a great option. You can get in touch with a local childcare referral agency that can help guide you through the process. You can also search options and read reviews online or through the yellow pages for more information.
Visit and Interview
Once you’ve narrowed down your day care options, you will need to go directly to the source. You’ll have to schedule an appointment to visit the location and interview the staff or director. When scheduling an appointment, you can ask a few basic questions by phone such as cost, number of children and ages. Once you get to meet the director, you’ll really get a good feel for the environment. Once here, ask about payment options and pricing. Also ask about their hours of operation, the activity schedule, nap times, feeding, discipline and other policies and procedures. Also ask about the caregiver to child ratio so that you know how much attention and supervision your children will be receiving. You may also be able to come back and make sure that your child feels comfortable in this setting. The best way to tell if it is a good fit is if you get the kid seal of approval.
Finding a trustworthy and affordable day care is an in-depth process, but it is always worth it. Taking the time to do your research will provide you with piece of mind and financial stability. Once you have explored and asked about a variety of child care centers in your area, you will be able to determine which are in your price range that also suit the needs of you and your child.