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How to Choose a Daycare: 5 Factors to Consider

By: Author Jeff Campbell

Posted on Last updated:

Categories Guest Posts

Even if you’re able to stay at home with your child, sending them to daycare might be the best thing that you do for their development.

Daycare teaches children valuable social skills and gives them an opportunity to gain independence. Once your child reaches their toddler years, they’re ready to meet new people and see new things.

Do you know how to choose a daycare that’s going to be right for your child? We’re here to help. Read on to learn about a few factors that should go into your decision.

1. Safety

Your top priority always has to be your child’s safety. When you’re choosing a daycare for children, make sure that you know that your child will be in safe hands.

Evaluate the daycare itself. Is everything toddler-proof? Do staff members know all about CPR and basic first aid so they can quickly respond to injuries?

It might be helpful to choose a daycare near medical center resources, especially if you have a child with certain special needs.

2. Accessibility

The best daycare for you and your child has to be accessible. If you have to go far out of your way to take your child to daycare, it won’t be helpful anymore.

Your child’s daycare should be on, or near, your route to work or school. If you use public transportation, it should be within walking distance of your transportation method of choice.

When you’re running late in the morning, the last thing that you want is to go out of your way to drop your child off. Similarly, if your work or school runs late, you don’t want to have to go too far out of your way to pick your child up.

3. Cost

Cost is a large factor when it comes to choosing a daycare. You want to give your child the best possible option, but that comes at a high cost.

It’s a good idea to start putting money aside for daycare before your child is born. The average cost of daycare, depending on your child’s age, can be almost or over $1,000 per month.

Pick a daycare that fits your budget so you don’t have to move your child to a new care center later.

4. Staff/Child interactions

You should always visit before choosing a daycare. You won’t really know whether or not the daycare is suitable for your child if you don’t see it in person first. Bring your child with you so you can also determine if they like it.

While you’re at the daycare center, take note of how staff members are interacting with kids. Are they playing with them and teaching them? Are there any children who aren’t getting enough attention?

5. Educational Opportunities

Good daycares in 2022 have enrichment activities instead of just playtime. Even young toddlers are able to start learning!

While toys are important, there should also be evidence of learning opportunities. Are there educational games? Is there some form of curriculum?

If you’re unsure, always ask the staff first. They’ll be happy to explain their caregiving and educational methods.

That’s How to Choose a Daycare

Keep these factors in mind when you’re figuring out how to choose a daycare for your child. You have so many types of daycares to choose from! Which one is right for you and your kid?

For more helpful articles about parenting and more, visit the rest of the site.

Jeff Campbell
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