A lot of parents often find themselves in a dilemma when it comes to choosing a daycare for their bundle of joy. While it might be easy to just go for the closest option you have, it's better to sit and think because,in the end, that's the foundation, and you want to create a great one for your kid. The best aspect is that no matter how much time has passed, these strategies are still the same, with slight changes. This article has compiled a list of tips that might prove useful to you when you are about to embark on this journey. 

But keep in mind that every child is different; what works for another person might not work for you. In places like Australia, there are three types of childcare choices: family daycare, centre or long daycare, and community pressure.

 You can also find occasional care centres depending on where you live. Now let's look at these important things you should look for when choosing a daycare so you will get to find one that both the environment and the ambience will suit your family's needs. 

Check Out How TheStaff Welcomed You

The first thing you should look out for is how the staff welcomes you and acknowledges you immediately after opening the door. Better still, did they stop and talk to you or introduce themselves, or did you even see them greeting each other warmly and laughing among themselves?

Although the priority of many parents is to see that children are happy, you should consider looking at the faces of the staff. If they are not happy, then it's likely the children are not happy either. We all know child care is one of the toughest jobs, and they are woefully underpaid for a person to offer the best care they have to love children and their workplace.

Click here to learn more about how to prepare your kid for their first day of daycare. Once you walk in, check around and ask yourself how you feel, what you hear, what you smell, and what you want to do. This might sound silly,but a lot of times, parents' instinct is very powerful. If you feel welcome and slightly excited, then there are chances that your kid will also feel the same. If you feel overwhelmed and frustrated, then your child may also experience similar feelings.

Check All Areas in The Environment 

After you finish looking at the rooms, ask to see the toilets as well. Are they clean to your standard? Does the daycare support toilet training or progress in children's toileting? Are the nappy change areas clean?Is the toilet free from clutter? Do they have any training or nappy-changing policies for you to read through? What are their expectations for toilets around your kids' age and their independence and toileting level?

Don't Only Look Inside; Check The Outside

Consider the outdoor environment just as important as the indoor; therefore, you should always make sure you check the outside. Does the child care centre provide opportunities for children to explore the natural environment and elements and utilize their senses well, also playing and challenging themselves? Do they provide quiet spaces and active playrooms for imaginations to grow? 

Kids are supposed to spend some quality time outside to balance their childhood program, and never underestimate the importance of this. If you feel the area is sparse or unloved or just has piles of metals for climbing frames and planks packed in every space. Then you should be concerned about the vision of the center and their commitment towards providing a quality outdoor playground. 

Their Level Of Communication 

Ask the centre how they communicate with parents. Do they have a policy of telling parents information about how that child's day went and how the parents can extend the knowledge at home? How can you be involved in your children's day even though you are not there? Do they offer communication books, newsletters, portfolios, emails, pictures, or just an emphasis on verbal communication?

 It should be a red flag if you only get to find out how your child's day went when you go to take them home on time and meet the staff. 

Most daycare centres run for 12 hours daily, meaning there will be shifts, early staff and late staff. Inquire whether the roster changes every week or if they stick to the same early and late staff. This is essential because when you drop your kid off in the morning, it will be easier to meet the same face you met earlier when you came to pick them up rather than seeing a new face every day or week. 

Also, you should ask about the retention rate of staff in the centre. High staff turnover in one environment or across the entire center most times means it's not a happy environment. 

How Do They Deal With Kids With Special  Needs

First, ask whether they accept children with high or special needs into their centre. How do they deal with developmental delays? This is important to you as a parent. Some parents would love to know if the centre understands the challenges of children with sensory processing difficulties. 

You can always mention your children's density needs. You will find a lot of directors passionate about the subject and even willing to share their strategies and thoughts freely. Once you meet these kinds of directors, it's a green flag. 

Visit here: https://www.pediatrustkids.com/child-care-provider-questions-for-a-special-needs-child/  to learn the questions to ask a childcare provider for your special needs kid.

Conclusion 

To find the right daycare for your little prince or princess, a lot of things need to be taken into consideration. Remember, this is the basic foundation that will prepare them for what is to come in the future, and you don't want to jeopardize this important experience by putting them in an environment that is not conducive.

Some of the things you should keep in mind are how welcoming and warm are the staffs towards parents and themselves, making sure the space is perfect for kids to grow and develop positive attitudes and even if your child doesn't need any special treatment, the centre should cater for all kind of children even those with special needs.