Page 49 - Choosing a Child Care Center

CHOOSING A CHILD CARE CENTER

great sign that the center is committed to staff reten-
tion and creating a secure, consistent environment
for your child. Historically, the child care industry
has seen some of the highest turnover of any industry
in the workforce, but now great centers with fantastic
leadership are making huge shifts in those stats.
Good teachers and caregivers will have a plan for
the day, even if you’re looking at a play-based or
Montessori center that educates through child-led
learning and unstructured play. The teachers and
leadership should be able to explain the benefits of
this method and how it integrates with the schedule
and the healthy development of your child. Child care
should be so much more than just a long playdate! A
balanced day with activities, rest, snacks, lunch,
outdoor play, and instruction will set your child up
for the best possible outcome and experience. Should
your child have additional needs that will require
accommodation, such as a food allergy, address this
and make sure you get a detailed response about the
measures the center has put in place for this situa-
tion.
While caretakers and teachers should always
reinforce good behaviors, there will no doubt be
times when poor behavior must be addressed. Be
sure to understand how the teachers discipline
children, how they comfort children, and how they

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