Our children are our most prized possessions. As moms we make a million and one choices in how we care for them each day. Food, books, clothes, screen-time, sunscreen, outdoor activities….you name it and moms are researching and deciding what works best for them. But one of the biggest choices we make is who will care for our children when we cannot. Whether you work full-time, part-time or work from home, most of us mamas need some help. I was lucky enough to have my mother nearby when my children were younger. She was able to care for my three children twice a week and we chose to find a nanny to fill in the rest of the week. And being a teacher myself, I understand how important it is to find the right fit with a center or caregiver since they will be spending the majority of the day with your child(ren).
Our partners at KinderCare know that trusting new caregivers with your child is stressful, no matter how old your child is. There are so many options to choose from and it can be challenging to find the childcare center or caregiver that’s right for your family. That’s why they’re offering some tips to help as you search for the best child care option.
Where will your child be safe and loved?
It’s a must that you let go of the mom guilt and trust that your little ones are with someone you trust. You want to find a caregiver who pays attention to every detail – big and small – and who makes themselves available to answer your questions whenever you have them. For me, little texts or emails with photos throughout the day is huge. I need to know that the teachers or caregivers of my children will respond to my children with kindness and compassion.
Here are some questions to keep in mind:
- Do they have a warm and loving demeanor with babies and children?
- What are the center’s safety procedures?
- Are the teachers or providers CPR-certified?
- What is their approach to nap-time?
Will your child be seen and welcomed for who they are?
My three children could not be more different. My big boy is rough, tough, and very sensitive. My little guy is inquisitive, shy, and easily distracted. My daughter is smart, silly, and extremely social. Since every child is unique, they develop at their own pace and in their own way. You need to look for a center or caregiver that celebrates and encourages that individuality. It is so important that teachers and caregivers should get to know each child, and their family, and create opportunities for everyone to see reflections of themselves and their beliefs, customs, and cultures in the classroom community. KinderCare uses a popular developmental screening tool to see if children are meeting developmental benchmarks for their age – and the test results show that KinderCare students are more prepared than their peers are for grade school.
Here are some questions to keep in mind:
- Do they have a regular way of communicating with families?
- How do they work with families to bring out the best in each child?
- What additional resources does the center or provider have access to? (KinderCare has their own Inclusion Services team devoted to advising and helping teachers meet each child’s unique needs and interests).
How will the center or provider encourage your child’s natural sense of curiosity?
Children are naturally curious. Every second counts, especially because a young child’s brain is growing faster now than it ever will. Look for a classroom or learning space that’s set up with children in mind – with things at a child’s eye-level. Also keep an eye out for open-ended learning spaces where children can explore and decide how (and what) they want to do, learn, and create. You also want your children in a print-rich environment! Even if children can’t yet read, a classroom with books and words everywhere (even labels on chairs and tables) will help children develop literacy skills and build critical-thinking and self-reliance skills.
Here are some questions to keep in mind:
- Is there a formal curriculum?
- How do they help children develop reading and math skills in these important early years?
- Is there a lot of time for open-ended play?
- Are children in charge of their own play?
Is there a focus on social-emotional learning?
Young children should not only be learning their ABCs and 123s, they should be learning how to interact and recognize different feelings and emotions in both themselves and in others. Friendships among children are important for a child’s independence, self-confidence, and self-esteem. Social-emotional skills should be central to the curriculum so children know how to share a special toy with a friend, collaborate on a finger-painting project, and understand the importance of kindness. Also be sure to look for a place where teachers are trained to listen to a child’s needs (at different ages and stages) and respond with appropriate suggestions and questions that guide children toward choice that will leave them feeling confident. (According to a recent Harris Poll, 83% of parents say building a child’s confidence is crucial).
Here are some questions to keep in mind:
- Are teachers focused on what the children are doing?
- Are they engaging with children by asking questions and talking respectfully to them?
- How do they handle tears or children working to share a toy?
KinderCare Learning Centers is opening a brand new center in the Upper West Side of Manhattan in September! Visit the Columbus KinderCare on 808 Columbus Ave or contact 833-90-LEARN to schedule a tour and meet the Center Director.
