Millions of parents take their children out to a day care facility of some type each week. It is the most recent phenomenon in the evolution of parenting and 2 working parent homes (although many will dispute this in our challenging economic times). Although we have touched on the topic of child safety and day cares – it deserves regular revisiting to support the knowledge base of new families.
*First, do a thorough search – internet, police and otherwise – of the credentials of the facility you are considering. Any glitches whatsoever – social worker warnings, city citations, etc. – are cause to remove this facility from your list of considerations.
*Take a day to visit the facility and watch their long term interactions with children. One cannot glean an appropriate and thorough view of the authenticity of a daycare’s program in a short segment of time – such as a half-hour or even more.
*Ask for and then take time to read any curricular or program material they provide. Also request the credentials of any employees or even volunteer staff members.
*Ask how they handle children who are particularly challenging. What are their policies and procedures related to discipline.
*Find out their student to teacher ratio, the policy on snacks and meals, outdoor play time and whether or not they allow television or movie viewing. How are naptimes arranged and what is their cleaning schedule for all materials in the facility as well as the facility itself.
No matter what day care you choose – if your child does not seem to be adjusting well OR otherwise has obvious (or subtle) and persisting mood changes – do not hesitate to consider child care alternatives. You cannot function if you are worried that your child is not being properly cared for.
Don’t wait to make a change.
Greg Baumgartner is a Houston child injury lawyer and the founder of the Baumgartner law firm, which is dedicated to helping personal injury victims seek civil justice. If you would like to speak with a Houston child care accident lawyer call the Baumgartner firm.
