Returning to work after giving birth and taking care of a baby is one of life’s biggest changes. With so many things to juggle and think about, this transition can be overwhelming. In this post, we will help you look for a reliable infant daycare center so that you can have greater peace of mind when you’re away from your little one.
Ask for recommendations
You will be entrusting your infant’s well-being to another caregiver, so it is helpful to get referrals from someone you trust or know. You can ask for referrals from your pediatrician, relatives, neighbors, and friends who are also parents. In addition to referrals, you should also check out the center’s reviews and feedback from other parents regarding each daycare provider in your search.
Take a tour of the daycare center
Before enrolling your child in an infant daycare, it is best to visit the center in person so you can observe their services and care. You’ll get a better understanding of important details, including their nutrition standards, cleanliness hygiene standards, and if the workers are kind and courteous.
It is also essential to assess how attentive the staff appears to be towards their infants. Some child care centers allow parents to bring their babies for a trial daycare session so that they can get a feel for the center.
Check that the daycare has proper certifications and licenses
It is crucial to ensure that your infant daycare provider has obtained the required licenses issued by an accredited organization. In addition, they must have a current CPR/First Aid for Childcare Providers certification. Also, it’s important that daycare providers attend courses and training related to early childhood in order to stay up-to-date and knowledgeable.
Proper child care training
The best infant daycare center will provide appropriate training for their staff. By finding a daycare that does this, you can rest assured that your baby will be in good hands. The facility should also clearly outline its policies when it comes to preventing maltreatment and child abuse.
Make sure your daycare aligns with your child’s needs
There are different types of infant daycare facilities, from home-based care to large-scale centers. In other words, you should look for a daycare center that can accommodate your baby’s needs. It’s also important to look for caregivers who are able to care for babies with special requirements like allergies or food restrictions, if applicable.
Inquire about the staff-to-child ratio
A safe daycare provider will ensure an appropriate daily staff-to-child ratio, which typically means a caregiver should not be responsible for more than eight to ten infants at any given time. Maintaining appropriate ratios enables caregivers to monitor each child’s needs and attention safely, thus minimizing the risk of accidents or neglect.
Survey the physical aspects of the daycare
Starting from the cribs, floors, toys, and play areas, make sure you look at the physical condition and indications that ensure that the child care center is safe and clean. These include the following:
- Comfortable bedding
- Lock-down mechanisms on staircases
- Gates at entries and exits, with clear signage
- Updated CPR equipment
- Smoke detectors
- Restrooms equipped with safety rails for children’s use
…and more
Inquire about written policies
A reliable daycare center will have clear policies in place regarding their services, schedules, meal times, fees, and other rules. You can ask for a copy of the center’s policies so that you are aware of protocols when it comes to things like emergencies or unexpected schedule changes.
Inquire about nutrition standards
A quality infant daycare center usually offers nutritious meals for infants. Before picking a center, find out if they provide healthy dietary options to meet your baby’s needs.
This means they should serve the right amount of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats in their meals.
Inquire about emergency protocols
Do not forget to inquire about emergency procedures for infants enrolled in the daycare center, including who will care for them during emergencies?
How do they respond during an accident or fire? What is their procedure if inclement weather disrupts their services? Inquire about how they will ensure all aspects of your baby’s safety.
Akers Academy provides reliable infant care. A low adult-to-child classroom ratio allows the littlest ones to thrive at their own pace. We also individualize feeding schedules to fit your baby’s needs. Call us today for more information!
