The process of searching for a childcare can be more challenging than people realize. Alongside having the required vacancies, you want to make sure that they have a relevant philosophy in place. Not all centers are the same, and each has unique facilities.

Below we are going to discuss six things that make a great childcare so that you can choose the best option for you and your child.

Let’s get started.

Environment

A well-maintained and clean environment is one of the first things you should look for when selecting a childcare. A safe setting and proper hygiene methods ensure that your child can play and learn without the risk of harm.

You also want to look at the room layout, play facilities, and outdoor area. A great center will have a mix of both natural and artificial elements.

Staff

Leaving your baby or toddler with strangers can be daunting, so you want to make sure that the staff are reliable, trained, and experienced. All should have relevant qualifications (with the exceptions of trainees) and a valid working with children’s check.

Staff ratios are also essential to look into. There should be an adequate number in each room regarding the children’s age group.

Nutrition

Most childcares provide three meals a day. A good one will have a nutritious menu that carefully follows the guidelines. They will also make alternative meals for those with allergies and take special care to prevent cross-contamination.

For babies, the nursery should have a safe and clean area for bottle preparation. If you are breastfeeding, you also want to ensure that there is a comfortable place for you to do so.

Safety

Ensuring the safety of every child should be a childcares top priority. All staff are required to have first aid certificates in case an accident does occur. The facility should also have precautions in place to prevent a child from going missing. A door code system is best, and inspections of the property are to be done daily.

Resources and Support

All good childcares should have plenty of resources and support for families that need it. This includes things like contact information for relevant services and helpful advice like located here at the Toddle blog. It might not seem that important, but it shows that they are going the extra mile to help you as much as possible.

Policies and Procedures

Finally, when you are browsing around childcare centers, make sure that you ask about their policies and procedures. These outline everything, from health and safety to staffing arrangements and programming. Remember, they should also ask parents regularly for advice and recommendations.

And that’s it. These were six things that make a great childcare. While there is a lot more you should take into consideration, by starting off with the above, you can cut down your options. However, remember to trust your gut instinct as well. If a place doesn’t feel right, then it’s probably not for you.