Finding Daycare for Infants
How to Select Quality Childcare for Babies
Selecting quality childcare for infants can be a chore. This article makes the task a little easier by offering parents a useful guideline to follow.
The idea of returning to work and leaving an infant to be cared for by strangers can be a mother's worst nightmare. But in order to pay bills and put bread on the table -- some moms don't have a choice. Trying to select quality childcare for babies can be a difficult task when parents don't know where to begin.
Opt for Daycare Centers that are State Licensed
When childcare centers are licensed, it means they have agreed to follow the rules and regulations that the state agency has put into place to help maintain a safe environment for the children who attend.
Aside from the possibility that unlicensed daycare centers may be operating illegally (requirements vary from state to state), there is no one to ensure that they are maintaining the safest possible environments for children.
Consider the Location of the Childcare Center
If parents will be spending the majority of their infant's daycare hours at work, they should consider choosing a childcare facility that’s close by -- just in case of an emergency.
What Types of Questions Should Parents Ask
When parents are screening potential daycare facilities for infants, they should never be afraid to ask questions. Some of the questions should include the following:
- What type of training and/or education does the facility require the infant teachers to have?
- Are the teachers trained in pediatric first aid and CPR?
- What is the typical turnover rate of teachers in the facility?
- How long have the current infant teachers been with the facility?
- What is the policy on sick children?
- What is the ratio of teachers to infants?
- How are emergency situations handled?
- Are parents called immediately following an accident or injury?
Make Unannounced Visits to the Daycare
Along with announced visits, parents should make several unannounced visits to the daycare facility. The owners of the center will understand parents’ concern about the safety and well-being of their infants.
Observe the Childcare Staff Members in Action
Pick a day to sit inside of the infant classroom to observe the staff. Look to see if they do the following things:
- wear gloves during each diaper change
- practice frequent hand washing (especially after diaper changes, wiping noses, and before feedings)
- sanitize highchairs and changing tables after each use
- interact with infants through games, stories, songs, etc.
- remove infants from cribs if they are not sleeping
- allow infants a fair amount of tummy and floor time
- allow infants outdoor time (if weather permits)
- remove soiled bedding and clothing immediately
- attend to the individual needs of each infant
Parents should also observe the toddler rooms, as children will move to those classrooms once they are old enough.
Finding quality childcare for infants may take some time, so parents should start looking as soon as possible.
