When I was a kid, my mom hired a sweet elderly lady in our neighborhood to care for me and my sister during the daytime. Over the years, this wonderful woman kept dozens of children at her small home. She was talented at her position. I was never bored. In the mornings, I enjoyed reading a variety of books. During the afternoons, my caretaker played several educational board games with the children she kept. I learned new words, gaming strategies, and teamwork while sitting around her dining room table playing these fun games with other kids. On this blog, you will discover how to incorporate educational board games into your daycare’s schedule.
New parents may experience anxiety when they go back to work and relinquish their child to the daycare staff. While those feelings are valid, most parents go through the same thing. In fact, 26% of 1 to 2-year-olds in the US are enrolled in a daycare program. Picking the right daycare can help relieve the anxiety new parents feel. If you are a parent looking for a daycare center, there are a couple of considerations to take into account when you make your decision.
Student/Teacher Ratio
The student/teacher ratio refers to the number of students per teacher at any given educational facility. All preschools must adhere to state regulations by law, but they usually have a ratio closer to the national average for student/teacher ratio at each age group:
The lower the student/teacher ratio, the more personalized attention the teacher can provide the children.
Schedule
Logistically, you need to find a daycare center that offers care when you need it. Most parents follow a traditional schedule during the day, making scheduling a breeze. Parents who work early or late may require extended hours. Some parents will inquire about services over the weekend, too. Your preschool needs to accommodate your schedule, or you'll have to find additional services when they can't cover you.
Price
Every parent has a childcare budget. The average weekly cost for one child at a child care center was $226/week in 2021. While steep, the cost is significantly less than a week of child care through a nanny, which costs an average of $694 a week. You will need to analyze your finances to set your budget and work within that price range.
School Philosophy
Some schools create lesson plans and strict schedules for their toddler and pre-K students with an emphasis on formal education. Other schools create a loose itinerary and allow children to play and learn as they please. While less structured, some child development leaders argue that the self-guided philosophy creates equal, if not better, results. Parents will need to decide what philosophy suits their parenting style the best.
Child-Approved
Your child's opinion about the daycare center they attend is arguably one of the most important factors to consider when picking a preschool. If the child feels strongly one way or another about a particular facility, you should listen to their feelings.
For more information, contact a child day care center near you.
Share25 April 2023
