Do you currently work or thinking about going back to work? For some, the thought of taking your child to a daycare can be a bit scary. Rest assure that there is a way to find the daycare, or babysitter that meets your expectations. Here are some helpful tips.
1. Licensing- A childcare facility or in home daycare must be licensed in order to provide service for your child. Licensing makes sure that the facility, or home is up to standard in regards to sanitation, and safety. For more information you can call your local health department. If you are in the Inland Empire you can call Community Care Licensing at (951) 782-4200 for information. They are located at:
3737 Main Street, Suite 700, Riverside, CA
2. Ratios-For every 3-4 infants there must be 1 teacher. The more infants there are to a teacher means that your little one may have to wait for someone to attend to his or her needs.
3.Healthy & Safe Staff- This simply means that all staff must be CPR and First aid certified. They must be up to date on their TB test as well as have a current background check. As a parent you are entitled to ask these questions about the staff.
4.Loving Atmosphere- A daycare that allows a parent to come in at any time is always a good sign.
5.Stimulating Atmosphere- Make sure that your daycare offers many stimulating activities such as toys, out door activities, music, books and occasional field trips. These activities allow your child a sense of change which fosters their developmental growth and interaction.
6. Separation of Age Groups- Infants should not be mixed with children over 1 years old due to safety, and developmental issues. Toys must be age appropriate as well as the curriculum.
7. Strict Sanitation Rules- Staff must wash their hands often to avoid spreading germs. Know your daycare's sick policy. Children should not be allowed to come to school if he or she is running a fever. The child is able to return to school 24 hours after having a fever. Toys must be sanitized often and food and diapering stations must be separated.
