Finding Quality DaycareDoes the ideal of finding quality daycare keep you up at night? It's a fact- most single moms have to work, and most of those working parents need someone to watch junior while they're away. So, as a single parent (read- one who doesn't have time to blink) how can you choose quality daycare where your child can thrive? The task of finding quality daycare doesn't have to be a hugely time consuming task, but it does take some thought and planning. The first thing to do is decide which kind of child care would work best for your family. Generally, the options are:
Whatever you choose, just keep the key objective in mind: finding someone who will really care about your child. I can't stress this enough. If you find a daycare center that seems to pass the test, but the caregivers appear cold or impersonal, move on. If you choose a quality daycare arrangement, but your child just can't seem to adjust, be open to making changes. So- how do you find quality daycare? Once you have an idea of what type of child care you need, talk to your friends and family and maybe even your child's pediatrician and school teachers. You can also contact your local resource and referral agency- they'll point you in the right direction. To find yours, check out this site: Child Care Aware Daycare CentersThe advantages of choosing a daycare are that they usually have longer hours than family daycares or after-school programs, so it's easier to schedule care around your work schedule. Finding quality daycare is also made a bit easier by nationally recognized accreditation programs for daycare centers. Ask if the daycare you are considering is accredited.Daycare centers should have a vast array of art supplies and toys, as well as a preschool program to keep your child engaged. Most of them also provide transportation to and from schools. Kids in daycare centers can actually learn to potty train faster and pick up age-appropriate social skills from this kind of setting. Another bonus- when your child's primary care giver is sick, the daycare will find a back-up, not you.
Family DaycaresHome-based daycares have their advantages, too. Obviously, the environment has more of a homey feel than a daycare center. Family daycares are also more affordable than daycare centers. There are fewer kids, which may be more comfortable for a shy child. Siblings can stay together, which may be a benefit. The daily schedule is generally more flexible to the kids' usual schedules, and the kids can count on the same caregiver every day.The key to finding quality daycare in the family style setting is making a mutually beneficial arrangement for you and the provider. Family daycares are usually open for shorter hours than a daycare center. Don't make the mistake of assuming that because the provider works in their home, that it's ok to drop off early and pick up late. However, some providers are flexible, and may even offer overnight care. A quality family daycare will usually provide you with their written guidelines. Make sure you are clear about your work schedule, and any daycare you may need if you work overtime or travel. After School ProgramsSometimes finding quality daycare means looking no further than your child's school. If you've got school-age kids and you're lucky enough to have an after-school program at their school, look into it. Other organizations, like YMCA, churches and youth centers may have these programs available in your area as well.Usually this type of program is reasonably priced, and run by staff at the school that your child might already be familiar with. Kids can get homework help and a quiet space to finish their work, as well as fun time with their friends. For school-aged kids, this may be all you need. However, be sure you have a back-up plan for holidays and sick days. NannyIf none of these options sound good to you, you may want to consider hiring a nanny to tend your little 'uns in your home. This way, you can choose just the right person, and tailor the schedule to suit your needs. You can also arrange for the nanny to do a little housekeeping and/or cooking, plus your tikes get to stay at home. A nanny can also run kids to and from ballet, soccer and karate. As you may have guessed, this is usually the most expensive daycare option. However, the thriving single mom will find creative ways to make a nanny more affordable. For more on hiring a nanny, check out find a nanny.What does a quality daycare look like?1. When you're deciding on a daycare, ask about the child-caregiver ratio. Will your child get enough attention?2. Also ask how long the caregivers have worked there. You don't want your kid to have a new teacher or caregiver each week. 3. Ask how they handle injuries, and if you can drop in any time to observe. 4. Take a tour and take note of cleanliness, toys, outdoor playgrounds, and how engaged the other kids are. You're looking for a light, bright atmosphere with lots of artwork and age-appropriate toys and playground equipment. Kids should be engaged in activities, not left to watch tv or otherwise entertain themselves. 5. Ask about the menu. Is the food nutritionally balanced? What do they do if a child won't eat what they serve? 6. Ask if they are accredited. Daycare centers can be accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, also known as NAEYC. Family daycares can be accredited by the National Association for Family Child Care, or NAFCC. This is important, because these centers have to abide by specific guidelines, and usually have to be inspected to be accredited. 7. For babies, check on the center's caregiver-to-baby ratio to make sure your baby will get enough attention. The ratio should no more than 3 babies to every caregiver. You also want to make sure that babies are in their own self-contained room to prevent injuries from older children. If the center doesn't pass these criteria, keep looking. 8. A quality daycare center will have some sort of learning program or preschool curriculum. If you find a family daycare with this type of program, bonus.
In My Experience...During my quest for finding quality daycare, I toured a daycare once where all the teachers looked depressed, the kids ran to meet me- a stranger, because they were so bored and the classrooms didn't let in much natural light. I couldn't stand the thought of being there all day, so I knew I couldn't make my kids do it.I did find an excellent daycare center for babies in my area. This daycare not only has a separate room for babies and excellent teacher-baby ratios, but they also have a separate security system and requires parents and teachers to wash their hands and put on shoe covers before entering the baby room. This particular daycare center fulfilled my entire checklist, so I enrolled my kids there, and never regretted it. Finding quality daycare will take a huge load off for a single mom. Once you find a daycare arrangement that works for you and your kids, check in every once and a while. Drop in for a visit on your lunch break, go to your child's birthday celebration, and talk to your munchkin about their day. If you encounter problems, be sure to communicate them in a calm, rational way as soon as possible. Finding quality daycare does not end when you enroll your child. Taking just a little bit of time to stay involved, communicate with your caregiver and show them appreciation for the work they do will go a long way.
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