Choosing a daycare facility is among the most important decisions parents of young children can make. You want the peace of mind that comes from knowing the people watching over your child during the day are qualified to keep them safe and to provide them with an enjoyable experience.
There’s no single daycare center that’s ideal for all parents. You must account for such practical factors as your budget, location, and more when evaluating your options. That said, the following general tips can help you make this critical decision more easily than you otherwise might:
Get Recommendations
Most daycare centers will have websites. Many of these websites may feature testimonials from happy parents.
The presence of these testimonials may be a good sign to some extent. That said, it’s worth remembering that virtually any business owner or service provider can find some past customers willing to speak highly of their work. The fact that a daycare center’s website features a few testimonials from those who’ve used it before doesn’t guarantee it’s the right choice for you and your child.
You might want to ask for recommendations from other parents, your child’s pediatrician, and other such trustworthy people who you suspect might be able to offer some valuable guidance. If someone whose opinion you value recommends a daycare facility, it may be the best option for you.
Visit
Don’t choose a daycare center without visiting it first. If the owners permit you to visit during hours when children will be at the center, that’s ideal, as you’ll get a chance to see the types of activities your child may participate in.
Just as a daycare center’s website may feature testimonials that don’t necessarily reflect the true quality of the facility and the services offered there, pictures on a daycare center’s website might make the facility look more appealing than it actually is. Be sure to visit yourself so you can take a closer look at the spot.
Be aware that some daycare centers even allow for unscheduled visits. If a facility allows this, drop by unexpectedly one day. This ensures you’ll get an accurate sense of how the facility operates on a typical day.
Ask About General Policies
A daycare center may have policies in place to address such matters as:
- Discipline
- Snack times and meals
- Naps
- Television
- Sick children
Ask about these policies to ensure they align with your goals as a parent. Although you can’t exercise full control over the manner in which a daycare center’s staff treats your child, you want to confirm their policies generally conform to your values.
That said, while it’s not a pleasant topic to consider, there is always the possibility your child will be hurt at a daycare center if the staff is negligent in some capacity. You may be eligible for financial compensation if this happens. Learn more by contacting a Boston daycare injuries attorney at Colucci, Colucci & Marcus, P.C. You can schedule a free case evaluation by contacting us online or calling us at 617-917-3917.
