Have a look around
While many of us rely on word-of-mouth referrals when selecting a child care centre, every child is different. This is why it’s important to head down yourself and assess whether a child care centre is best suited to your child. Major things to look for include a high level of cleanliness, childproofing, age-appropriate toys, a good carer-to-child ratio and how the space is shared.
Ask, ask and ask again
Not only does asking questions help you find out all you need to know, but the way staff answer these questions will determine how comfortable you may be. Ask to see the menus, routines, qualifications and professional development of staff, as well as health and safety procedures. Also, don’t forget to ask how you will be kept up to date with your child’s wellbeing and participation. You can never ask too many questions!
Check the policies
Every child care centre should have policies regarding discipline, TV, feeding, sleeping, sick children and more. Knowing you’re happy with these policies will avoid any unwanted surprises in the future.
Feel the vibe and trust your gut
Every mother or father has their own parental instincts. If you walk into a child care centre and it ticks all the boxes, but something just doesn’t feel right, forget about it! Trust this natural intuition and everything will fall into place.
Don’t be fooled, check in without notice
Child care centres can sometimes put up a front when they know a parent is going to be around. After you’ve enrolled your child, be sure to drop by unannounced and double check that your little one is being properly cared for and the centre is still at a high standard.
Have you already enrolled your little one in a Tweed Coast child care centre? Let us know where in the comments below!
