Choosing Child Care that Works for You

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The demand for child care has become greater as more women choose to enter the workforce.   As the economy continues to struggle, the need for two incomes rises.  For this reason, the need for child care also increases.  Who will take care of the children if mom is at work? Choosing the right child care is not always easy.  There are many factors involved when making this decision. Parents want to ensure, first and foremost, that their children will be safe.  The child care also has to be affordable and fit within the family budget.  It must also be a place that the child or children can learn and grow.  What options are available to parents in need of child care?  What should you look for in the type of care you choose?

The most obvious choice for parents looking for childcare is a child care center.  This is usually the most costly option but the many benefits of a child care center are attractive to parents.  A child care center ensures that parents will always have a place to bring their child as there are no cancellations at daycares. They also offer many educational benefits.  Children who attend centers learn how to socialize with their peers and gain a sense of identity.  Child care centers have very structured environments and help prepare children for grade school.  What exactly should you look for when choosing a child care center for your child? It is important to tour centers to get a feel for what center will work best for your children. The following lists important qualities that every child care should possess. .

  • License – Is the child care center licensed?  If so, where do they display the license?  A license will ensure that the center is operating according to state requirements.
  • Are the children separated into different groups according to age?  Are there developmentally appropriate toys for them to play?  Separating the children is important for safety. It is also important that the children be able to socialize with children their own age.
  • What is the child to teacher ratio?  The child to teacher ratio must meet state standards.  Some of the better child care centers will reduce the child to teacher ratio to ensure the children are getting the attention they need.
  • What are the requirements for the child care providers? Child care providers at quality center will be required to have training and experience related to childcare.
  • Safety – Does the center appear to be safe?  Fire extinguishers must be in sight and you must be able to see fire escape plans.  This will ensure that the providers know what to do in case of a fire.
  • Are the children in the center happy? When touring the daycare be sure to pay attention to the demeanor of the children who go to the center.  If many children look unhappy, chances are your child will feel the same way.

Another option for parents is in-home care. Many people choose this type of care because it offers care but still has an at home feel.  Parents who have placed their children in in-home care like the smaller group size it offers.  They also feel that it is the next best thing to having their children at home. Children get more one on one attention in this setting. Drop off and pick up times are more flexible and parents are not charged outrageous fees per every minute that is stayed late.  Most centers will follow the public school schedule and close on holidays.  In-home providers are less likely to close for holidays.  The greatest advantage of in-home care is the cost.  These providers cost significantly less than centers.  Parents are also attracted to in-home care because their children are not exposed to as many illnesses.

The decision to leave your child in in-home care must not be taken lightly.  What should you do to help in making this decision? How can you ensure that you are leaving your child in the home of someone you can trust and who is reliable.  The following gives a few recommendations on choosing the in-home care that works for you and your family.

  • In-home daycares will also be required to have a license. Is the license displayed so that you can see it?
  • Are their emergency plans in place?
  • References – Does the provider have references that you can get information from? Are other parents willing to recommend the in-home provider?
  • Are the toys developmentally appropriate for the children who are in the home? There should still be educational benefits at in-home daycares.  Does the child’s schedule involve learning and playing time?
  • What education or experience does the provider have?  The provider should be able to prove that she has worked with children or has the education needed to work with them.
  • Most importantly, who is allowed in and out of the home during the day? The people who live in the home should also be checked out.  Know who is around your child and what they are about.

The increased need for child care has brought about more options for parents. Whether you want your child to attend a center or in-home care, chances are there is a local provider near you.  Child care decision must be taken seriously.  Make sure that your child is in the best care possible.

Wash Those Hands!

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It is that time of year again! The flu is spreading like wild-fire and many parents are being forced to take time off from work to make trips to the doctor and at take care of sick children.  Childcare centers are working hard to prevent the spread of Influenza.  Sadly, many children who attend daycare will contract the illness and in several cases, be hospitalized.  It is important that centers and parents take the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the Influenza.  The following list recommendations on how to prevent the spread of Influenza in childcare centers.  It also gives tips that parents can use to protect their children from the illness.

Protecting Young Children from Influenza

  • Vaccinations – Child care centers should encourage parents to get their children vaccinated in an effort to prevent the illness. Vaccination against Influenza has proven effective and protects many children from getting sick every year.   Children who attend child care centers are at a higher risk for getting Influenza because they are more likely to be exposed to germs that cause the illness.  Because the illness can be fatal to young children, children older than 6 months old are encouraged to get the vaccination.
  • Preventive techniques – Children are spending the majority of their day in the child care center, therefore caregivers are given the ultimate responsibility of protecting children from the illness.

-       Hand washing – This is by far the most important preventive technique that can be used by providers to prevent the illness from spreading.  Children must be instructed to wash their hands.  Hand washing should be incorporated in to the daily routine.  Caregivers must make sure that the children know how to properly wash their hands. This includes using antibacterial soap and washing for longer periods of time. A good idea is to get the child to sing a song while washing his hands. This will encourage hand washing and lengthen the process.

-       Disinfecting toys – Children who attend child care enjoy playing with toys.  In many cases, toys can be a catalyst for the spread of the illness.  Caregivers must make sure to disinfect toys daily during the peak season of Influenza.  This can easy be done using a small amount of bleach and water.  There are also solutions made specifically for cleaning toys. Lysol is effective in killing Influenza.

-       Coughing and Sneezing – Encourage children to be mindful of others when coughing or sneezing.  Influenza is highly contagious and can easily be spread by children who have a cough.  Children should be taught to cover their mouth while coughing and to sneeze into their arms.  It can be difficult to teach younger children this but older children can be taught.  Also, discouraging children from putting their hands in their mouths, nose, and eyes can help.  Remind children to stay out of the personal space of other children.

-       Vitamin C – Child care centers and parents understand the importance of strengthening immune systems in children.  Many doctors recommend that children get their daily intake of Vitamin C by taking over the counter supplements and eating fruits that are loaded in Vitamin C.  Child care centers can help prevent the spread of Influenza by offering fruit for snacks.  While centers cannot give children daily supplements, parents can ensure that children are getting the vitamins they need to support a healthy immune system.  A strengthened immune system is more likely to fight off Influenza.

While there is no certainty that children who attend child care centers will be able to avoid Influenza, precautionary measures can be taken to protect them from the illness.  Centers and parents must be alerted and on guard when Influenza invades the center.  If Influenza hasn’t reached your child’s center yet, chances are you will be seeing it very soon.  Make sure your child is protected and that the center he attends is taking precautions to protect him.

Recognizing the Importance of Play for Children

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Many adults do not recognize the importance of play in a child’s life. Play aides in the development of a child and encourages him to explore the world around him. Physically, play allows children to get the recommended one hour a day of exercise. It promotes the development of a healthy body and mind. It encourages children to think and allows them to develop problem solving and critical thinking skills. Socially, play teaches children how to interact with other members of society and gives them the skills they need to develop friendships. Play also encourages the emotional development of children. With this said, it is important that parents and caregivers be conscious of the toys their children are playing with. Are the toys encouraging healthy development? Are they age appropriate?
Why toys should be age appropriate
First and foremost, toys should be age appropriate because they are safer for children. The recommended ages listed for toys allows a parent or caregiver to know which toys are safe for children and which toys are not. After the safety issue is addressed parents and child care centers must make sure that the toys they are offering provide stimulation for a developing body and mind. Regardless of the age of a child, stimulation is especially important for growth and development. Age appropriate toys will provide the level of stimulation that children need.
Many child care centers are given recommendations for age appropriate toys and follow the guidelines to aid in the development of young minds. The following lists some of the recommendations for age appropriate toys. Next time you are at your child’s care center, look around and see if you notice the toys that are aiding in their development.
• Infants – Infants ages 0-12 months will not play as older children play. They must still be provided with toys that are age appropriate and provide stimulation. Examples include colorful cloth books, stuffed animals, musical toys, tummy mats, teethers, squeaky toys, rattlers, and hanging toys. It must be noted that the greatest stimulation for this age group is interaction with parents, caregivers, and siblings through spending quality time with those who love them. Infants are intrigued by facial expressions!

• Ages 1-2- Children ages 1-2 will begin exploring the world around them and enjoy playing. Typically, children in this age group will be involved in solitary play and do not play with other children. Examples of age appropriate toys for this age group are balls, books, building blocks, shape toys, pop beads, push toys, play clothing, baby dolls, and baby accessories. The older children in this group enjoy imitating others and take pleasure in miniature vacuums, brooms, and mops.

• Ages 3-5 – Children in this age group like to use their imagination and take part in creative play. Examples of toys that are age appropriate include story books, musical instruments, puzzles, dolls, action figures, puppets, jump ropes, art material, dress-up clothes and shoes, and kitchen supplies. In this age a group, relationships begin to develop and bonds are made. Girls will usually gravitate toward girls and boys will play with boys.
Many suggest that the early childhood years are the most important years in a person life in regards to learning. Young children learn through experiences and age appropriate toys provide these experiences. Providing age appropriate toys and encouraging children to play can prepare them for success in the years ahead.

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