At some point during your child’s first five years, you may place your child in a child care or preschool program. This will be a big decision—one you will want to make carefully. Next to family members, caregivers and teachers can do the most to help your child’s brain grow and develop during these most important early years. Studies show that there is a link between high quality child care and school readiness. Children not only enter kindergarten more prepared for school, but they seem to do well past kindergarten.

Take the time to ask around, find out what programs in your area are licensed. Plan to visit several places before deciding where to place your child. Spend some time watching the action. Look to see if children appear to be happy and content.

Health and Safety First

Your first concern will be whether your child will be safe and free from harm. If you have an infant or toddler, here are some things to look for.

• Group sizes of three or four with one caregiver, and no more than 10 toddlers with two caregivers

• Separate cribs for each child and a place for children’s belongings

• Soft, comfortable carpeting and furniture

• Covered electrical outlets and locked cabinets for any dangerous materials

• Separate diapering and food preparation areas that are clean and safe

• Sufficient number and variety of toys your child would enjoy

• Protected outdoor areas where children can play safely

For your preschooler, here are some signs of a good program.

• Group size of 18 to 20 with two teachers

• Classroom and outdoor areas that are free from conditions that might cause injuries

• Materials and equipment in good repair

• Clean cots or a mat for each child

• A well-organized room with lots of choices for children— books, blocks, art materials, puzzles and toys, dress-up area, sand and water table, and more

• Soft material under outdoor equipment and a fenced in yard with some shade

For all children, there should be written procedures for dealing with emergencies. Also, look for evidence that children practice self-help skills such as washing hands, brushing teeth, setting the tables. Be sure that children are supervised at all times.

The Staff—Most Important

Research shows that the staff makes the difference. The more training and education the staff have, the higher the quality of the program. And a quality program helps to prepare your child for school.

The people who care for your child will be your partners. Watch how they relate to children when you visit. Ask yourself:

• Are they warm, caring, and responsive to each child?

• Do they treat each child and each family’s culture with respect?

• Do they respond quickly to each child’s needs and questions, comfort children who are upset, and help them work out problems?

• Do they talk with the children, read to them, and listen to what they have to say?

• Do they plan interesting things for children to do?

• Do they guide children’s behavior in positive ways?

• How would my child respond to them?

Take time to talk to the staff and find out what they like best about their work and how long they have been caring for children. Your instincts can tell you if these are the kinds of people you want to have in your child’s life.

Sharing What You Know About Your Child

You know your child best. Take time to talk with the people who will care for your child to share what you know. Talk about:

• How your child responds to new experiences and people

• What comforts him when he is upset

• What songs he likes best and what activities

• What helps him get to sleep when he is tired

• Whether he has any food allergies or medical problems (such as asthma or diabetes)

• What fears he has and how you handle them

If your child has special needs that have been identified, you are probably an expert on how he learns best. Be sure to share any evaluation reports you have with the staff. Find out if they have experience caring for a child with a similar need. Offer to show them what you have learned, such as his sitting positions, carrying positions, or “tricks” you have for getting him to eat. Encourage the staff to ask you questions. Sometimes their questions are related to fears such as, “Can the other children catch this?” or “Will I break his bones if I try to get him to sit as you just did.” You can reassure them with your answers.

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(Article taken from “Building Your Baby’s Brian” by Diane Trister Dodge, Cate Heroman )
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