Tips for choosing a good childcare program

A good childcare program ensures a positive and perfect overall development of your child. The child develops a lot of habits during his tender age. Choosing a good program requires enough time and patience which is worth it as a childcare program forms a foundation for your child’s adult life. Here are a few things to consider while selecting a good childcare program for your little one.

• Ratio of teacher to child: You need to check the ratio of teacher to child. Ideally one teacher should take care of a few children as she can give personal attention to your child. If the child is small, he needs more attention and care at the childcare facility. A ratio of 1:4 is good for babies, while a ratio of 1:10 is good for children above four years of age.
• Group of children: Know the number of children in the group. It is always better if the group is smaller. A group of 2 teachers and 10 children is always better than a group of 5 teachers and 25 children, though the ratio is still the same for both groups. Smaller group is safer and calmer as compared to larger group.
• Qualification of the caregiver: Find out the educational qualification of the caregiver in the facility. A degree holder or the one who is trained especially for working with children is always better as she knows about the needs of your child and her responsibilities towards your child better than the one who is not professionally trained for the job. Moreover, make sure that the teachers are constantly involved with some kind of activities for their personal skill improvement. Also they should attend workshops regularly so that they are upgraded with the latest skills in childcare field.
• Turnover: Ask for how long the teacher has been with the childcare center. A child is more comfortable with the same teacher as she spends longer time with your child, at least a year. Caregivers or teachers who often leave their job cannot build a strong relation with your child. Your child will have a hard time in the facility with new teachers. It becomes difficult for the child to adjust with new ones every now and then. So make sure that the teachers have longer turnover in the childcare facility you choose.
• Certification and license: Choose a childcare center that is accredited by a National Organization. A licensed childcare facility fulfills the mandatory standards set by the organization.

Besides these, you need to check the health and safety standards of the childcare facility. Check if the facility is clean and maintains proper hygiene as it is the matter of your child’s health. Also, the teachers should follow the hygienic standards and also inculcate this habit in children. Cleanliness and hygiene are the two important aspects you should check before enrolling your child with the childcare program.    

If you are looking for a great program in the Albany area, please reach out to us at TSL Adventures.  We would love to answer your questions and see if we offer a great fit for you and your children!!!