Daycare Safety [Illustration by Shinod AP]
Parents who leave their kids in day care often have such questions cropping up in their minds. There is nothing you could do, you sigh.
Save your sighs for other things. For, there is something you could do. According to a report in Los Angeles Times, if your little one can’t tell you about the quality of his childcare experience, you may need to do some sleuthing on your own. The report provides a checklist for parents to look for in the daycare centre.
- How does your day-care provider greet your child in the morning?
- Does she seem genuinely happy to see him? Or does she throw a curt hello, while she busies herself with other things?
- Pay close attention to how she relates to your little one. Does she respond to a child’s cues?
- What do you see at the end of the day? Is your child busy at play, engaged in art projects, reading books and interacting with other children? Or does he cling to you when you arrive? If it is the latter, she may be bored and starved for attention and in need of a new daytime environment.
- What is the adult-to-child ratio? According to the report, a group of six to eight infants for every two adults, and six to 12 one- and two-year-old per three adults, is ideal.
- Do the teachers stick around? Constant turnover can be disruptive and potentially disturbing for children.
- Is the environment safe, clean and inviting? Providers should follow basic health and safety measures, such as washing hands after changing diapers and keeping a list of emergency numbers so you or a doctor can be quickly contacted if necessary.
- Would you want to stay there all day? If the answer is no, then look for another arrangement. Your child shouldn’t have to tolerate a situation that you would find unpleasant. After all, with the right provider, your child will thrive and, in turn, so will you.
