Making the decision to leave your baby in a baby care facility is never an easy one to make. Once the decision is made, however, you want to ensure that the baby care center you choose is the very finest available for your needs. The best way to do this is to ask questions, ask questions and when you’re finished, ask more questions. There is no such thing as too much information about the place and people who will be caring for your baby.
Baby Care Choices form Moms
The first question you should ask yourself is whether you’re interested in a family, or home, care center or a group daycare setting. Family baby care provides the advantages of a consistent caregiver, less chance of illness due to the smaller groups of children and a more “natural and homey” environment. On the other hand group care centers offer separated age groups, which can prevent small babies from being injured by older children and a more professional, usually more learning environment. Frequent provider turnover is often an issue with group centers and should be a consideration.
Baby Care Qualifications
Naturally you want the baby care center you choose to be qualified and have great references. Get referrals from friends, family and agencies before you begin your search. Call the local licensing bureau for a business history including past client complaints. Visit every center you consider, don’t’ rely on a phone call, and get a good feel for the place. Ask potential caregivers for proof of education, licensing and satisfied parents. Ask them why they got into the baby care business and how long they’ve been taking care of children. Check out the provider to child ratio. For small babies there should be no more than three being taken care of by one provider.
Baby Care Policies
Research the baby care center policies carefully before hiring one. Are you allowed to drop by anytime during the day to visit? What are the cleanliness policies? How often are the toys sanitized? It should be at least once a week, preferably more. Question the sickness policy. What symptoms are inappropriate for the care setting? Is payment still expected for days the baby doesn’t attend? Family centers are sometimes more flexible in this regard. Payment and termination policies are often strict both in family and group settings. Read the cancellation policy carefully so you’ll know how much notice you need to give or whether or not late fees are tacked on in the case of missed payments.
All it takes is a good amount of in-depth research and you can feel confident leaving your baby in a baby care center.
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