Finding the right childcare provider is a big responsibility and worry for any parent. Especially as a new parent or when relocating to a new area, you need to know that you have found someone you can trust and rely on, and that you feel good about your child spending time with.
Depending on the amount of time they spend in childcare, the people responsible for your son or daughter will have a significant impact on how they think and act. That being said, it is important to remember that most people are in the childcare industry because they genuinely love children and want to provide them with a safe and loving environment. Here are some tips to help make sure you find the right person to trust with the task of caring for your child.
1. Talk policy and philosophy upfront
Although you might initially hit it off with someone on an interpersonal level, it is important to remember that if your parenting philosophies don’t match up, you’re going to be in for trouble down the road. Discuss big topics such as discipline, feeding, and sleeping right away, in order to avoid disappointed once you’ve established a rapport.
Other important topics include sick-child policy and what you can expect as a backup plan in case something happens and the caregiver is unable to work. Don’t be shy about asking too many questions, you’ll be saving yourself from an unpleasant surprise down the road.
2. Make sure you get a commitment
Consistency is important, for you and for your kids. Regardless of how great the caregiver is, your child will take time to warm up to them and trust them. You want someone who can provide you with consistent and predictable care.
Talk to them about how long they have been cooperating with other clients and see what kind of assurance they are willing to offer you in terms of commitment. If you’re in discussion with a larger childcare center, make sure to ask about how long their current staff has been employed there and the usually rate of turnover that they experience.
3. Take your time and look around
Although you have to take into consideration that the staff is going to be on best behaviour when a potential client is visiting, it is still worth paying close attention to the details of how the staff interacts with children.
Of course, you should expect that the caregivers will maintain a level of discipline, but you still want an environment that is primarily dominated by love and warmth. Pay attention to things like the staff-to-child ratios, in addition to the temperament of the children currently being cared for.
4. Communication is key
Especially if you’re dealing with a baby or young child, you’re going to be very depending on the caregiver for information about your child’s day and behaviour. If you can’t communicate comfortably with each other, you stand to miss out on a lot. Talk to them about what kind of status and feedback reports you can expect and whether or not you’ll be given updates throughout the day.
5. Trust your instincts
At the end of the day, you know what is best for your child, and if you simply don’t have a good feeling about a place, don’t force yourself to do something that doesn’t feel right. Even if you’ve been given a glowing recommendation, or if the location is very convenient, if your gut is telling you otherwise, it is best to trust it. Your childcare provider should be a source of comfort to you and your child, and it is worth looking around until you find the right fit.
