How to Choose the Best Day Care Facility for Your Family
Here are a few helpful tips related to childcare centers that you should know before you start your search.
You've just had a baby and are naturally overjoyed. They mean the world to you. You must have begun planning its future, probably even before it was born. A major part of that planning process is its education.
"It's better to begin your child's educational preparations as early as possible." says reputable child care center, Busy Bees child care
While in home childcare services are undoubtedly beneficial, it has several limitations. You might lack the money, time, and knowledge related to children's training. At professional childcare centers, your child will receive the best start in their learning journey.
From experienced educators to a pleasant environment, your child will grow mentally, physically and emotionally during their stay there. They will acquire various social and other skills that will help them in the future.
But how do these places run? What are their operating hours, and is regular attendance mandatory at these services? What about the curriculum and other features? Get the answers you need by reading below.
Do they have a fixed curriculum?
A good service generally has a fixed curriculum, which its educators create according to the National Quality Framework (NQF) principles. They usually divide it into four parts: nursery, toddler, pre-kindy, and kindergarten.
It is necessary to structure the curriculum in this manner because children of different ages have varying learning requirements, styles, and interests. Educators ensure each child is engaged and has fun while learning.
Are the educators qualified?
The National Quality Standard (NQS), which sets the benchmark for early education, requires all educators to have a diploma to teach in daycare centres.
As teachers entrusted with early childhood education, they should make learning interactive and fun for children. Feedbacks, questions, and interactive sessions are some ways of arousing the child's attention in classrooms.
What food items do these services provide?
You should ask the service about their food items to get an idea about their nutritional practices. Many have a policy prohibiting outside food items unless the Service Manager approves them.
If it's your child's birthday and you want to bring a cake, you should inform the concerned authorities about its ingredients, as it helps educators keep the children free from allergies.
Most facilities provide meals based on the nutritional guidelines laid down by Nutrition Australia while following Food Safety Programs overseen by Food Safety Officers.
How do they manage illnesses?
Usually, a service will not admit your child if they are ill or unwell for any reason. You should let them stay at home where they can rest, relax, and recover till they are healthy enough to join again.
However, if your child becomes sick or unwell during their stay at the centre, they will take the necessary steps. For instance, the Service Manager might ask you to collect the child immediately.
If that is not possible, the Service Manager will seek the appropriate medical care. If your child has a medical condition, you will have to produce a medical clearance certificate before they can rejoin the service.
If your child has special medical or health care needs, it is advisable to inform the facility immediately, as that will help them accommodate their needs accordingly.
A child care center gives your young one high-quality care and exciting learning opportunities. It helps them build resilience, confidence, and other vital social skills that help them later in life.