Helping Your Little One Succeed at Preschool

Now that you've decided to go back to work or school, you're looking for child care programs. You've read the books. And you've read the blogs. You've made lists of the rules, regulations and policies to look for. You know how many staff members your state or area requires per the number of children in the room, and you know what each should require in the way of teacher training. Now what?

If you're wondering what else you should consider when trying to pick the "just right" child care program for your family, take a look at the questions that you might not have thought about asking.

What's the Center's Sick Child Policy?

You want your child to stay healthy. And that means you don't want them exposed to kids who have fevers or other illnesses. Most centers have no problem letting children with minor colds come to 'school'. That said, when it's something more serious than a stuffy nose, the center should have a policy to protect their students.

Ask what the specific illness and symptoms are that require the child to stay home. Also ask if they require the parents to submit a doctor's note before the child can return.

How Does the Center Make You Feel?

It doesn't matter how many people recommend a center—if it doesn't feel right to you, then it isn't the place for your child. Yes, there are centers that come highly recommended for a reason. Keep in mind, however, that those other parents may have different needs, values or beliefs than you do.

Your feelings about the center should take priority over what other people say. When you walk in the door, do you get a warm feeling? Does the center feel welcoming? Do you feel at ease leaving your child there? Obviously, some separation stress is normal (for both you and your child). But, if you feel completely uncomfortable leaving your child there, it's time to keep looking.

What Does Your Child Say?

You want your child to feel comfortable with their new school too. If they're old enough to express their feelings, ask for their opinion. There's a difference between a child who doesn't want to go to 'school' and one who doesn't want to go to a specific 'school'. If your child doesn't want to separate from you, that may not indicate that they don't like the child care center. But if they're reluctant to go to the daycare or can tell you why they don't like it, you'll want to continue your search.

Choosing the right child care program is a journey, not a one-stop shop. Ask yourself what you're looking for in a center and what's important to your family. This can help you to select the center that you, and your child, feel comfortable and happy with. Contact a child care center like Small World Early Learning & Development Center for additional information.