| When choosing a day care center there are quite | | | | food, security, and any other aspects you would |
| a few aspects worth considering, which can make | | | | like addressed. |
| the task somewhat overwhelming. In many cases | | | | Step 4 - Call each center on your list and inquire |
| there isn't enough time available to investigate | | | | about the topics you've outlined. Make sure to find |
| every concern a parent has. However, taking the | | | | out about late fees, sick days, and anything extra |
| time to figure out your priorities beforehand is a | | | | pertaining to fees and charges. Find out what |
| tactic which can alleviate a bit of hassle and cut | | | | activities are offered, whether there is an outdoor |
| down on the stresses involved. In this article we | | | | area, nap time, or teaching offered. |
| will outline a few choice steps to help you find the | | | | Step 5 - Visit potential centers. Set up a time to |
| right day care for you! | | | | walk through with a supervisor and take a tour of |
| Step 1 - Outline a few conditions for yourself: | | | | the facility. You can even bring your child to get a |
| What is your available budget? If you're simply | | | | feel for whether they enjoy the environment or |
| working in order to pay off gas, child care, and | | | | not. If you like what you see, consider popping in |
| food, you need to make sure that keeping a day | | | | for a second, unannounced visit to see how they |
| job is really the best course of action. It may be | | | | operate without the expectation of guests. Talk |
| a good idea to stay at home if at all possible. If | | | | with the staff and note how they interact with |
| money is not an issue, then simply set your | | | | the children. Are they friendly? Do the children |
| financial parameters. | | | | seem to enjoy themselves? |
| Step 2 - Look at you job position. Does your | | | | Step 6 - Go through and cross out any options |
| work allow you to leave in order to care for your | | | | that have proved unacceptable or out of your |
| children? If not, do you have access to someone | | | | price range. |
| reliable as a backup? All children catch childhood | | | | Step 7 - Once you've obtained all the information |
| illnesses at some point or another. It's a good idea | | | | you can, sit down and compare your finalists. By |
| to be prepared. | | | | this point in time, you should have a pretty good |
| Step 3 - Make a list of various day care centers | | | | idea of where you'll be headed. Trust your gut |
| in your immediate area, and build them into a | | | | instinct and do what you feel would best benefit |
| simple spreadsheet. Make categories outlining cost, | | | | your child. |
| travel time, training/licensing, staff to child ratio, | | | | |