Page 50 - Choosing a Child Care Center

LETY CARVAJAL, M.ED.

address inappropriate behaviors, such as bullying and
teasing. Ideally, during your tour, the center should
allow you to observe a classroom setting and perhaps
see some of these values in action.
While staff are an extremely important asset to a
business, there’s another asset to consider here—you!
When we talk about a center giving you “wow” experi-
ences, we mean you should feel valued and important
from the moment you walk through the door. Maybe
you’re offered coffee or met with a variety of exciting
toys for your child to play with while you take your
tour. Pay attention to how you and your child are
greeted! Are the teachers engaged? A center should
want to exceed your expectations to such a degree
that you’re excited to tell your friends and neighbors
about it. In a town that may have many child care
options, they want to stand out as the best, cleanest,
kindest, and most unique option. If these factors feel
like the center of the tour and your conversations
with staff members, you’ll know you’ve found a
quality place.
If at any point during your tour or while asking
questions you feel that this may not be the best place
for your child, listen to your gut. If you’re uncomfort-
able in the center, your child likely will be too.

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