Is your Child Care Center what it SHOULD be??
Feb 24 '01
The Bottom Line Day care is to help take care of your child when you are unable. This means that you need to be comfortable that your child is safe.
Just a few moths ago I began working for a daycare center and subsequently began to put my two-year-old daughter in day care. I worked for a well known highly-rated, accredited, “Child Development Center”, but even in these settings, I saw definite problems. The problems, although might seem minor to most people, were upsetting to me. I was so upset that I took my daughter out and found a new job.
I decided to write this opinion to help give you an idea of what to look for, to minimize the chance of upset.
1. The most important thing in a Child Care Center is Ratio’s . This is where there are a set maximum number of children allowed per teacher. Ratio’s are different with each age group. 0 to 6 months old, and 6 months old to 1 year old, should have a ratio of no more than 4 babies to 1 adult. Once the child reaches 1 year old the ratio usually goes up to no more than 5 or 6 children per 1 adult. At two years it raises to no more than 6 children per 1 adult, and preschool (3 and up) is no more than 10 to 12 children per one adult. These ratio’s have ranges because each Center varies a bit.
The reason that ratio’s are so important is that if you have too many children per teacher, then each child is not going to get individual attention like they need. Diapers will be changed less, there will be less group activities, and at the end of the day when the parent goes in to ask about their child, there is going to be less “true” information available.
A higher ratio also means less chance for abusive situations. When there is more than one teacher in the class, then they can also watch each other.
2. You also need to make sure that each employee has got their clearance . This means that every teacher has been cleared with state, county, and federal background checks. Most public and private Centers must check this because working at a Child Care Center is considered a “public trust” job. Some home child care are not licensed and do not have to do this though.
3. Proper Child Care Centers are also have many security features to prevent abuse and unauthorized people to be around. Security features to look for include the following:
* A Check-in desk that ALL visitors must pass by. This means only one regular (not including fire) entrance and exit.
* Sign-in’s and Sign-out’s are VERY important. There should be one at the front desk and one in each classroom. This helps keep track of who’s here and who’s not and also in emergencies to make sure that all children are ok and accounted for.
* The Center should also have taken measures to make every area observable. Lights should dim, but never go out. There should be windows that are not obstructed to look into ever classroom. Diaper changing areas should be visible. Children’s toilets should have no doors, and low walls. Concave mirrors should be used if an area is blocked from the rest of the room, and low walls should be used whenever possible. Some centers are also setting up security cameras in every room and hallways, and I think that it is an excellent idea.
* Your Child Care Center should always support and accept your “un-announced” visits. This is YOUR child, and you have the right to visit him or her and check on the quality of care they are receiving.
4. Look at each individual teacher . Just by observing them and talking with them you can tell whether they have the job because they need the money, or if they are doing it because they love working with kids. Watch how they interact with the children. Make sure they are putting forth a positive example by not sitting on tables, using good grammar and non-offensive words, and being a positive encourager. A teacher should never embarrass a child, or negatively punish a child. Positive reinforcement and redirectment should always be used. “No” should be avoided at all cost. The teacher should ask lots of “open-ended” questions to spur participation.
5. Snacks and meals should always be balanced, and nutritious. Children should not go more than 3 hours without being offered something to eat. Their snacks and meals should also be done in a “family-style” dining. They should all sit at a table, WITH their teachers. The teachers should encourage good eating, but not be forceful. Also, a teacher can NEVER use snacks and/or Meals as rewards or punishments. Every child that is present during scheduled eating times has to be offered something to eat. For infants, bottle-feeding of course is done on a demand-basis. The infants should never be allowed to walk around with their bottles or lay down with their bottle.
6. Equipment is also very important. Each child should have their own crib or cot, and a place to put their things. There also needs to be enough chairs and table space for each child to eat. The room should be set up in “centers” where different activities can take place. (for example there should be a block area, a reading area, a role-playing area, etc..). Ideally there should be two of every toy, to minimize fighting, and all toys should be clean, safe, and age-appropriate. Outdoor play is a necessity for child development, so there should be adequate space and equipment for the children to pay outside.
7. Cleanliness is another VERY important factor. The Center should look and smell clean. The linens from their cribs or cots should be changed every day, diaper areas and eating areas should be sanitized with bleach water after every use, teachers should have good hand washing techniques, and every surface and toy that the children come in contact with should be cleaned with a bleach solution daily. The cleaner the facility, the happier and healthier your child will be.
8. My last tip is to look at you own child’s reaction to the Child Care Center. Upset at drop off is normal at first, and sometimes always, but when they become “depressed”, then there is something seriously wrong. When children do not think you are looking, they re-play things. They might repeat words, phrases, or re-act their feelings with their toys. If you see something that disturbs you, and you know that is where they got it, then go immediately at talk to your child’s teachers and the director of the Child Care Center. Your child is very important to you ,and should be to them too.
Remember, Child Care Centers are here to serve you, the parent. The Child Care Center's job is to keep your child happy, safe, and healthy, in a learning and care type environment. They are not substitute parents or relatives. They are taking care of your precious child and should listen to your valid concerns. You should also be able to relax and feel comfortable leaving your child with them. If you don’t then follow your heart and intuition and find a new Center.
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Epinions.com ID:
stephs69camaro
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Member: Stephanie B
Location: Northern California
Reviews written: 52
Trusted by: 68 members
About Me:
I'm *25* (gasp.. another year older!!) year old mom of two little girls
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