Finding the "perfect" daycare

The idea of having a stay at home parent is appealing to many, but with the continuing decline in the economy, most parents have no choice but to enroll their child in daycare so that they are able to work. Most children spend more time in their daycare than they do at their home, and because of this it is crucial that children are given the best care at their centers-after all the teacher plays a major role in the development of the child. There is absolutely no such thing as a “perfect” daycare. However, it is possible to find a daycare that is perfect for you and your child. Read on to find tips and tricks on how to find a daycare that is the perfect fit for your family.

Know DSS regulations and make sure the daycare follows them

South Carolina DSS has a wonderful website full of information on daycares. Use this site to find licensing requirements and to look up any citations your daycare may have been given. You can also find the name and number of the facility’s DSS Specialist so you can contact them if you want to report an issue or if you have any questions regarding the daycare. 

Ask Questions

Do not be afraid to ask the daycare director or your child’s teacher questions. Remember these people are taking care of your child for up to 12 hours a day; you have every right to have your questions answered. Find out how much experience both the director and teacher has. Know their rules on discipline. Become familiar with schedules such as meals, nap and curriculum and ask the teacher about meeting the needs of your child, if they differ from the routine. If your child is old enough to talk, ask him or her what they like about their daycare and what they don’t like. Your child will most likely know more about the daycare than you would think. Remember, the only dumb question is the one that is not asked.

Cleanliness Counts

Sickness spreads through daycares like wild fire, so you should notice gloves being used by staff when changing diapers or soiled clothes. Children are messy, but all daycares should overall look clean and the best daycares I have visited often smell of bleach or other disinfectant. Take a look at the toys and shelves to check for dust and dirt. When food, whether it be a meal or snack, is served to a child the staff must wear gloves. Keep in mind, daycares are required to be kept clean and sanitized so this is not an unrealistic expectation. 

Emphasis on what is important to you

Make sure the daycare you choose emphasizes what is important to your family. Some daycares base their structure on themes such as learning, religion, art or a combination of all. If it is truly important to the staff, the theme will be heavily displayed throughout the center. The theme should be abundantly clear, so it is easier for your child to grasp.

Surprise visits

Lastly, a tip that may surprise you. As a parent or guardian, you have the right to look in on your child at any time. If your daycare offers online monitoring of your child’s classroom, take advantage of it and check on your child often. If not, drop in on your lunch break or a time that is otherwise convenient for you. Your child might become upset if they see you earlier than they usually do, so just peek in their classroom window. This is a great way to make the staff aware that a parent could be watching them at any moment. It will also give you a piece of mind regarding the well-being of your child. 

Let these tips be a tool in finding the daycare that is a “perfect” fit for your family. If you are not able to stay at home with your child, make sure your childcare provider is someone you would want your child with. These tips are essential in finding a daycare that both you and your child can be happy with.