Page 64 - Choosing a Child Care Center

LETY CARVAJAL, M.ED.

A high-quality center will have great leadership
who truly care about family members, children, and
employees. If you get the chance to meet the owner or
director while on your tour, that’s an amazing oppor-
tunity. Speaking with this person can give you an
insight into the leader’s passion for early child care
education, the importance of the center’s core values,
and the teaching method employed at the center. The
vibe you get from the leadership will trickle down into
the way the teachers behave and the way families are
treated. If the leadership is warm, kind, and inviting,
you’re likely to find that the school has a great cul-
ture. If they’re abrasive and hard to deal with, you
can count on the fact that the school culture will also
be toxic because the behavior of the leadership will
drive away good staff members, leading to high
turnover and lower quality employees.
A great leader encourages, empathizes with, and
uplifts those in their care, even in situations where
hard conversations have to be had. They give you
confidence that if a negative situation should take
place, it will be quickly resolved in a way that builds
trust between the parties rather than tearing it down.
They love their work, believe in it, and have a strong
foundation for their business. They’re aware of their
competitors and know what the unique benefits of
their center are and how they relate to the develop-
ment and growth of your child. A great leader doesn’t

52