How to choose the best daycare for your little one
As parents prepare to enroll their little ones in daycare, anxiety can be overwhelming as selecting a trustworthy daycare is crucial for working parents.
POLOKWANE – Starting daycare can be daunting for parents and children alike.
As parents prepare to enroll their little ones in daycare, anxiety can be overwhelming as selecting a trustworthy daycare is crucial for working parents.
At the age of 60, the founder of Lillies Creche and Pre-school in Seshego Zone 6, Rebone Matlaba has been running her facility for over two decades.
She gives insight into what parents can look for when selecting a daycare for their little one:
1) Curriculum
When choosing a daycare for your child, it is important to look at the programme and curriculum they offer. It should be age-appropriate and should be able to meet the needs of your child. The daycare should also have experienced and qualified staff who are able to provide quality care for your child. Ensure that the daycare is not all about studying and gives ample time for children to play. Playing is essential to young ones for their holistic development. Look for a daycare near you that offers a mix of both to enhance a child’s overall development!
2) Teacher-learner interaction
When looking for a daycare for your child, it is important to pay attention to the interaction between the teachers and the learners.
“You want to make sure that the teachers are caring and patient with the children, and that the children seem happy and engaged in their activities. If you see a lot of negative interactions between the staff and the children, or the children seem unhappy, that is a sign that the daycare is not a good fit for your child.”
3) Everyday activities
Another important aspect to look at is the day-to-day activities that the daycare offers.It should help your child’s physical, emotional, and mental development. There are many daycare centres that provide a variety of activities to keep children engaged and excited about going to daycare. If you are looking for a daycare that offers a lot of structure and routine, then you will want to look for a daycare that has a daily schedule posted for parents to see. If you are looking for a daycare that is more flexible and allows for more free play, then choose a daycare that enables children to select their favourite activities!
4) Learning environment
The learning environment of daycare is one of the most important things to keep in mind. The environment should be clean, organised, and inviting. The staff should be friendly and welcoming. The curriculum should be engaging and interesting. There should be plenty of opportunities for outdoor play and exploration. Ultimately, the daycare should be a place where your child feels safe, happy, and loved!
5) Hygiene
Daycare is where you’ll find toddlers running everywhere, crying, dropping food or drinks, etc. It is important to consider the hygiene of the school. A clean and well-maintained school will help your child stay healthy and avoid getting sick. Look for a daycare that has a clean and spacious facility, and make sure that the staff members are taking proper precautions to keep the school clean. Ask about the school’s cleaning schedule and procedures, and make sure that they are following all the recommended guidelines.
6) First Impression
Assess your first impression of the daycare. You might have a list of goals and objectives before selecting a daycare. Does it tick off all your requirements and fulfil your needs? Check for all the green signs. If the daycare seems chaotic and unorganised, or the faculty seems impatient and short-tempered, that is a red flag. Overall, it is essential to trust your gut when choosing a daycare for your child. If something feels off, it is probably best to look elsewhere!
7) Recommendations
Do your research and get input from other parents. While online reviews can be helpful, speaking to other parents who have first-hand experience with a particular daycare near you can be even more informative. If you have friends or family members who have children in daycare, ask them for their thoughts and recommendations. Once you’ve narrowed down your options, take a tour of each daycare centre on your list to get a feel of the environment and see if it’s a good fit for your child.
Choosing the right daycare is a big decision, so be sure to take your time and consider all of your options before making a final decision.
