Previously I've discussed what you should look for in a center. You need to know your state licensing ratios of caregivers to children and it is helpful to know the education and experience of the educators. There are a few more things you will want to consider when choosing a site for your child.
COST
Perhaps one of the most important factors for busy working parents, you will need to find a center that meets your standards as well as your pocketbook. Centers may charge a monthly rate, weekly rate, or hourly. Some offer discounts for siblings while others do not. You may find you pay only when your child is present while at other centers you pay for the day whether you are there or not. This is commonplace as the center still has to pay for overhead (rent, staff salaries, supplies, etc.) whether your child is there or not so try not to be put off by this. Child care is a business and, like most businesses, in order to provide quality there needs to be some certainty of income. In my opinion, you will likely find that the better the center, the more it may cost you. This is because it costs money to provide for quality food, supplies, and educated caregivers for your child. That isn't to suggest you should just opt for the most expensive center--it doesn't necessarily mean it is the best. It's just that quality costs money and that cost is usually a large part of parent fees.
Also, be sure to ask about subsidies or scholarships. Many parents don't know to ask about this but many centers offer these programs for those in lower-income categories. Some subsidies are offered through the state, some through the center itself. It's always good to ask! Your place of employment may also provide some child care subsidy or flexible spending accounts that are tax-free so you may want to check with your human resources department.
DISTANCE FROM HOME/WORK
Think about how quickly you will be able to reach your child should he become ill. There will invariably be times when the center may call you to have you pick up your baby who has come down with an ailment. You will likely want to be somewhat nearby so you can get there quickly. Likewise, a center near where you work will allow you to drop in unexpectedly from time to time if possible so you can check on your baby or to allow you to visit during lunch or when you are on a break. Sometimes this isn't possible but if it will be a possibility for you it can be a lovely perk! While you may not be able to find a center that's a "stone's throw" from your door, keeping the distance in mind is a good way to decide if you are trying to choose between two or three centers you like.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE COST?
Does the cost of care include meals and snacks? Does it include formula and cereal or do you bring that from home? These items can add up! A center that is cheaper but in which you need to provide food can end up being more expensive in the long run.
AND SPEAKING OF FOOD...
While your baby may enter care drinking only Mommy's milk or formula, eventually they are going to want to eat solid food! Many centers will have you bring food from home. Find out how they warm it and how they keep it cold if necessary. Also, what happens if you forget the food? Do they offer a substitute meal or will you need to go back out and get something? Many centers provide meals for the children. When your child is a small infant, they may provide items such as rice cereal and pureed fruits and veggies or they may have you bring in jars of food. As a child ages and is eating more foods, food is really a way to teach children about nutrition and caring for their bodies, even at a young age. If the center provides food, it should be healthy offerings from a well-rounded food pyramid! Your child can have cookies at home, but at school the selections should be healthy options that will help teach them to like a variety of different foods. Throughout life, children get plenty of chances to eat cookies, chips, and drink aid. At school, they should have fruits, vegetables, whole grains, milk and cheeses. If you are vegetarian or eat kosher, ask about those options and how they can fit into the program. Many centers that provide meals will provide a vegetarian option or they may have you bring this from home. It's always good to ask and to see that your child's special dietary needs are met.
Also, if your child has specific food allergies, will the center be able to handle them? While your baby may be eating little now, as his world expands he will try new foods. What do they do if you find he's allergic to peanuts or is lactose intolerant? What if he has a gluten allergy? Simply asking ahead of time can help you learn the policies of the center and the experience of the staff in dealing with food allergies.
STAFF
While I spoke of staff earlier in the blog, let's talk a little bit more about them! The staff of the center is THE MOST IMPORTANT aspect of the caregiving process!! Find out who will be caring for your child, their level of experience, how long they have worked at the center, and their level of education. Do you perceive the director as someone who is professional or as someone you might have trouble going to if there is an issue? Is the office staff professional yet courteous? All of this is important because these people need to work together to make your family's experience a great one. Many centers have high turn-over of staff. This is common in the field as it is often a lower-paying job and often without benefits. You will likely see less turn-over in centers that pay a decent living wage and offer benefits to their staff. Don't be afraid to ask about turn-over and how long your child's teachers have worked in their positions. For a baby, they need to build bonds of trust and have consistency of caregiving. You can't do that if you have new teachers every 6 months!
EXPECTATIONS OF PARENTS
No, I don't mean what you expect of them. I mean what THEY expect of YOU! While many centers allow you to have as much or as little involvement as you can, some centers may have expectations of the parents in their center. Do you have to sell things such as tickets for raffles or candy bars? Are you expected to attend functions in the evening or during the day? While some parents relish the opportunity to do these things, others may simply not have the time. Find out what is expected of you so there aren't any surprises. You may also want to ask what opportunities there are for you to participate in your child's experience. Many centers welcome parents to join a parent group, play instruments or read books to the children, or join in for parent dinners or breakfasts. The best center for you will be one that allows you to participate as much or as little as YOU would like!
OVERALL COMFORT LEVEL
Lastly, you have to trust your gut! A center that has all of it's "ducks in a row" but leaves you feeling like your child will just be a number or makes you feel like you are just one in a hundred isn't going to be the place for you. You need to feel comfortable with the staff, the building, the philosophy of the place in order to feel your child is being cared for well. You should be allowed to come AT ANY TIME OF THE DAY, no matter where you go, and you should feel welcomed at all times! After all, you won't be very productive at work if you are constantly fighting the knot in your stomach. Now, I'm not talking about the "first day" (or week) jitters. Most parents leaving their child for the first time will be apprehensive. It's nature's way of keeping us from forgetting little ones in stores and on the subway! You will likely feel apprehensive turning over that sweet little one the first few times. I'm talking about the gut feeling that this isn't the place for you! If you feel that, then you should go with that instinct. I know, as a teacher, I've hugged many a mom on that first day as she gets ready to leave with tears in her eyes. But by day 10 she is smiling and waving good-bye, along with her baby, as she just needed to get over own "separation anxiety." You need to just make sure that, wherever you select, you can see yourself fitting in for the long haul, that you can picture your child smiling at you from the other side of the door once they are in and adjusted, and that you can see that place helping you and your family take care of the most important person that ever existed on this lovely earth!!!
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