Quality child care is not just about supervision. It’s about finding the right environment – one that nurtures every part of your child’s development. During their early years, children experience rapid growth physically, emotionally, socially, and mentally. To support and promote this, quality child care helps lay the foundation for their success in the future.
- As your child’s brain grows and develops, immersing them in engaging environments and activities (such as those often provided by quality child care centers) helps children reach important developmental milestones.
- Quality child care also encourages socialization, which is important for a child’s emotional and cognitive development. Interacting with peers and adults in a safe and supportive environment helps children learn important social skills such as sharing, teamwork, and empathy. These early experiences form the base of healthy relationships later in life.
- Finding a quality child care provider also offers convenience for parents, allowing you to minimize changes to your schedule. Knowing that your child is in a safe environment gives parents peace of mind and enables you to focus on your work.
The quality child care checklist: things to keep in mind.
When you’re searching for the perfect child care center for your little one, several things are crucial to keep in mind. Be sure to ask the following questions from our quality child care checklist on your next tour or visit to a child care center:
Ask about food and nutrition programs.
Nutrition plays an important role in a child’s growth and development. A quality child care center should provide well-balanced meals and snacks that meet nutritional standards set by health organizations. They should also have systems in place to ensure food safety – this includes things like proper storage, handling, and preparation of meals.
Additionally, the child care program should be able to accommodate children with food allergies or sensitivities, making sure that every child receives meals that are safe and appropriate for their dietary needs.
At Childcare Network, we feed not just your child’s mind – we also feed their tummies. Our meal plans are carefully designed to provide them with the crucial (and tasty!) nutrients they need to grow and develop. Click to learn more about our meal plans, how we handle dietary restrictions and allergies, and more.
Learn about the center’s safety systems and standards.
Safety is of the utmost importance in any child care setting. As a parent, we recommend you ask about the transportation provided by the child care center, ensuring that your child will be safely moved to and from the center.
When it comes to safety in the classroom, the student-to-teacher ratio should ensure that each child receives the right amount of supervision and attention.
Modern technology like security cameras or check-in systems can also enhance safety measures, providing parents with peace of mind knowing that their child is in a secure environment.
To learn more about the safety precautions in place inside and outside of the classroom at Childcare Network, check out our Health & Safety page, and our Transportation Information page.
Explore the space – inside and out.
The physical space of a child care center plays a significant role in a child’s overall experience. Parents should take the time to tour the facility, paying attention to the layout of the classrooms and outdoor play areas.
To ensure the safety of your child, be sure to also ask about maintenance and cleanliness processes to ensure that the environment is safe and hygienic for children.
Next, ask about the types of activities and materials available to children, ensuring that they are developmentally appropriate and promote learning and exploration.
No matter whether children are part of our year-round programs, or our school break care programs, Childcare Network ensures that they are safe – in our classrooms, on our buses, and on the playground.
Inquire about staff, qualifications, and ongoing training.
The qualifications and commitment of the staff are crucial factors in determining the quality of care provided by a child care center. Talk to the school administrator or your tour guide about the hiring process and screening procedures used by the center to ensure that staff members are qualified and experienced in working with young children.
To get an idea of how the child care center is prepared to grow with your child, you may also want to ask about opportunities for ongoing training for staff, as this showcases a commitment to providing high-quality care and staying updated on best practices in early childhood education.
Define the relationship between yourself and the school.
A strong partnership between parents and the child care center is essential for the overall well-being and development of the child. A quality child care program will provide opportunities for parental involvement, such as volunteering in the classroom or participating in parent-teacher conferences.
To even further define the relationship, ask about any support services available for families, such as financial assistance or resources for military families. Clear communication channels between parents and the child care center are also important, ensuring that parents are kept informed about their child’s progress and any important updates or changes within the center.
Childcare Network values the involvement of parents and families in their little ones’ education – you can even follow along your child’s journey using our convenient mobile app! To learn more about the family support provided by Childcare Network, visit our Military Families and Financial Assistance pages.
Uncover the differentiators of the educational programs.
The curriculum and programs offered by a child care center are key factors in determining whether it is the right fit for a child. Ask questions to learn more about the curriculum used by the center, including how it is structured and how it aligns with developmental milestones. Additionally, parents should ask about how the center tracks children’s development and progress, ensuring that each child receives personal attention and support.
Finally, ask about the frequency and process of updating the curriculum, as this shows a commitment to providing an engaging learning environment for children.
Childcare Network’s schools all use our proprietary HighReach Learning curriculum, which is based heavily on principles of early childhood development and neuroscience – click here to learn more.
Schedule your Childcare Network tour today.
Choosing a quality child care center is one of the most important decisions parents will make for their child. By following this quality child care checklist, you can ensure that you select a child care center that prioritizes your child’s well-being, development, and safety.
Looking for a quality child care center near you? Childcare Network has locations across the United States – click here to find the location closest to you and schedule a tour.
