Wondering If Daycare Is Really Worth The Cost?
The US daycare business has grown by leaps and bounds in the last few years. In fact, it is one of the fastest growing businesses in the US with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting the industry to have one of the highest employment growth rates in the next three years.
The numbers clearly indicate how successful this business has become, yet still many people have questions about day nursery centers and how they work.
It is quite understandable why one would like to know more about daycare centers. After all, you’re sending your child to one. You have a right to know how they work before you make a decision.
To help you in this regard, here are a few important FAQs about day nursery that might be brewing in your mind and making you restless.
How to Find A Good Day Nursery?
Getting recommendations from other parents whose children are going to day nursery can be helpful because they are well aware of the environment and progress of the child and can give you good advice.
However, do not make the mistake of listening only to what others have to say as it is important to do some personal research as well. For more information visit www.littlehandslittlefeet.org. The website has a lot of information on day nurseries and the education that is also provided.
Children are different, what works for one might not work for the other. Since you know your child the best, it is important that you personally visit all potential day care nursery centers and then pick one that meets your needs the best.
Consider all factors including the location, the kind of staff they have and of course the fee involved. Some centers are more expensive than others, hence it is important to ask about this factor.
What Policies Should A Day Care Nursery Have?
A day care nursery’s policies should be concerned with child’s safety and care. A good nursery should allow parents to drop in and surprise their kids. This motivates children and brings a wide smile across their faces. However, there must be policies governing this as parents should not be allowed to spend a lot of time with their children, since day care is largely about preparing children to stay without their parents and be dependant to an extent.
In addition to this, inquire about their sickness policy and how they deal with sickness. Do they allow off days or are there repercussions. Also, talk about how they make up for the days missed due to sickness and other such reasons.
Some parents don’t have time to drop and pick their kids. Ask if the day care nursery provide pick and drop and if the drivers are reliable.
Lastly, find about their meal plans. See what the school serves in meals. Check if the the food is nutritious and healthy. You will find this information on the daycare’s site or the prospectus provided to you. However, if there is any confusion make sure to ask questions and clear all doubts.
What Activities Should A Day Care Nursery Arrange?
A day care nursery should be innovative when it comes to educating kids via various activities.
The activities should include:
- Playing with toys and other children.
- Coloring, painting and drawing.
- Making things with construction blocks.
- Participating in activities such as dancing, and reciting poems.
- Solving puzzles and jigsaws to enhance their mind capabilities.
- Taking part in interactive activities such as talking with teachers and other kids.
- Learning manners, i.e: how to to sit, sleep, eat, talk etc.
How Much Does Daycare Cost?
The cost depends on several factors including the region and the daycare you choose. However, on an average, the cost of full-time care is about $927 a month. However, this can go as high as $1,500 in some regions.
What Qualities Does The Staff Need To Have?
They should be trained to cope with the children of all types. Some kids are sensitive and need extra attention and love. Similarly, some kids are very naughty and need to be dealt differently.
Teachers should know how to interact with all kind of kids. Moreover, the rest of the staff such as managers should also be friendly. You can have a chat with the teachers to figure out if they’re good enough to handle your kid or not.