| In this modern day and age where you can find | | | | on dangerous objects like glassware, plugs, electric |
| both parents working, you can expect their | | | | outlets, etc. The care provider should be able to |
| children to be spending a major part of their time | | | | provide you with explanations and detailed |
| in childcare. The early years of a child are | | | | answers as to their safety procedures and |
| considered the formative years, where they will | | | | precautionary measures. |
| be learning as much as they can absorb and | | | | The facility should also provide a daily schedule of |
| developing certain skills. So your preference of | | | | varying activities and a schedule for outdoor play |
| childcare program will be a critical one. It is very | | | | as well. |
| important that you take your time in making your | | | | Try to interview parents who send their children |
| decision and that you visit as many childcare | | | | to this particular facility and get their feedbacks. |
| providers to select the best one most suited for | | | | Before making any decision, let you child visit the |
| your child's needs. | | | | facility to get a feel of the caregiver and the |
| When you visit a child day care facility or care | | | | other children. |
| provider's home for instance, take a good look | | | | Now that you have decided on the childcare |
| around the place and carefully observe the | | | | services, it is time to help your child adjust to |
| caregiver with the children. Feel free to ask as | | | | childcare. This can be a very big step and your |
| many questions as you like. Especially your | | | | little one may need some help in adjusting to the |
| concerns about your child's safety here. | | | | new experience. |
| Examine if the caregiver is patient, warm and | | | | Talking to your child would prove to be helpful. |
| friendly. While a care provider may have such an | | | | Explain to your child carefully the necessity for |
| impressive background and work experience, | | | | him or her to stay at the facility because |
| what is more important for parents is someone | | | | mommy and daddy have to work. It is important |
| who is not there merely for the job but one who | | | | to assure your child that you will pick him or her |
| has passion for children and love that any parent | | | | up at the end of the day. |
| would normally give to his or her child. The | | | | To help your child adjust, take him or her for a |
| caregiver should also understand that your children | | | | short visit to the facility before the big day |
| will be developing skills during this crucial time and | | | | drop-off. Let your child see where he or she will |
| they must know what children basically need. | | | | be playing with other children, doing activities and |
| Go around the facility and see if it exudes a | | | | games, etc. Tell your child all about what he or |
| cheerful and happy environment. The facility or | | | | she will typically be doing at day care. |
| home should be clean and tidy with materials that | | | | When you leave your child at day care don't |
| are well organized and play toys or things that are | | | | sneak but instead it would help to do your usual |
| within easy reach for children. Evaluate as well if it | | | | daily goodbye routine that he or she has been |
| has all the necessary measures to guard your | | | | used to. You can let your child bring along his or |
| child's safety, as children can be very curious | | | | her favorite toy or stuffed animal. Familiarity will |
| most of the time and they may get their hands | | | | always make a child feel secure. |