Millions of working families throughout the world depend on child care as a way provide a safe learning environment for children while parents need to be away from the home. For those who need it, child care centers support families in raising healthy children and assist parents in managing day to day parenting stress.
Families are encouraged to be involved with their child care provider, in helping manage the day to day needs of the child. When making decisions about early child care or daycare and preschool, as well as after school programs for those children who are of school age, it’s important to find a child care center that provides quality child care as it is essential in preparing children for both school and life.
A quality child care center will provide the very best care for your child. Parents should seek accredited, licensed centers that are required to meets the state’s health and safety standards as well as national learning standards. Class and group sizes will have proper child to adult ratios based on size. Look for an environment that properly matches your child’s personality and needs. Also, it’s important to find a child care center that doesn’t have a lot of staff turnover. When staff stays, that’s usually an indicator that they want to be there, doing the best job they can do.
It also helps children make long term connections with others and provides a foundation of trust. When parents are involved in classroom or group settings, to observe or help, it can make child care transition easier for both the parent and the child. Learn more.