It’s no secret that finding the best childcare for your family can be difficult. Your little ones spend quite a lot of time there, so it’s important to find what’s best for everyone. Though there are tons of factors that go into this search, below are ten criteria that can help you select the right daycare for your child.
1. Safe and Clean Environment for Children
Perhaps one of the most important things to look for is an environment for children that’s clean and safe. Little ones carry around germs like crazy, so the best daycare centers prioritize cleaning and sanitizing. Additionally, everything should be childproofed—there should be no uncovered outlets, nothing small enough to choke on, etc. A clean, safe environment shows that the daycare center cares about you and your family.
2. Qualified and Caring Daycare Staff
At The Breakie Bunch Learning Center, all teachers are required to have at least an associate’s degree in childhood education or a related field. This requirement is what makes us one of the best childcare centers in the area because our staff members are truly qualified and dedicated to teaching.
3. Well-Rounded Preschool Curriculum
Another important factor in choosing the best daycare for your family is the curriculum and learning objectives. The curriculum should be well-rounded, including STEM objectives, social-emotional learning, and everyday life skills.
4. Play-Based Learning Objectives
A key to a great education is play-based learning, and we promote learning through exploration, make-believe, and hands-on activities. Unstructured playtime allows your little ones to truly discover and work on:
- Problem-solving
- Logic skills
- Critical thinking
5. Scheduled Outside Time Daily
Similar to play-based learning, the best childcare facilities always include outdoor play in their day. Ample time for outdoor play is critical for physical development and helps burn some of that boundless energy. The center should have a safe, fenced-in, well-equipped outdoor play area and a schedule that includes regular outside time.
6. Nutritious Meals and Snacks
If the daycare facility provides meals, they should be nutritious and balanced and cater to any dietary needs your child may have. When you’re finding the best childcare for your family, always ask about their meal planning and food safety protocols.
7. Open Communication with Parents
The best childcare facilities include open communication with parents and caregivers. At The Breakie Bunch, we love the Tadpole app for daily updates and direct parent-teacher messages. Open communication, like apps, newsletters, or conferences, helps parents stay involved and monitor their child’s progress and any concerns.
8. Positive Discipline Policy
A well-designed, positive approach to behavior management is essential. It’s imperative that staff members use redirection, positive reinforcement, and age-appropriate techniques rather than a punitive approach. Don’t be afraid to share with your child’s teacher what works at home for discipline because it’s even better when children can have similar structures in both places.
9. Diversity and Inclusion
The very best daycare centers around promote diversity and inclusion. Not only does it make it a welcoming place for all, but it exposes your children to various cultures, languages, and traditions, which helps foster an open-minded and respectful environment.
10. Proximity to Work and Home
This one may seem obvious, but before deciding on the best daycare center for your family, check its proximity to home and work. With two convenient locations in Waterford and Goodrich, MI, we are well within a normal commute of many offices and neighborhoods.
By focusing on these factors, you’ll be better equipped to find the best daycare center that provides a supportive, enriching experience for your child. You’ve got this!