A guide to comparing and sorting through child care options.
Choosing child care is one of the most significant decisions that you will make for your young one in the first few years of their life. Unfortunately, it isn't always the easiest decision. You turn to Google and find that not only are there a lot of location options, but there are different types of child care. There are different approaches. There are different wait lists. There are different costs, and those costs cover different services.
So how do you start? The keys to choosing the right daycare are to prioritize the important factors, ask the right questions, and, in the end, follow your instincts.
Prioritizing the Important Factors
Each child care program you research is going to have different elements that make it appealing. Look at the list below. Take a moment and rank these in order of importance. Actually write it out and force yourself to put them in order. Is the location the most important aspect of your search? Or would you be willing to sacrifice going a little out of your way if it meant there was more outdoor space for your child to play in? Or if their hours of operation better fit your needs?
By having a tangible list to see what's most important to you, it will be easier for you to rank programs. Compare each option to your list to see which line up most.
If you want to take it a step further, you could try assigning a point value system with the most important factors receiving more points. Tally the points and add them up to see which comes on top.
- Location - Where are they located, and how far out of your way is it?
- Facilities - Are the rooms engaging with colors, toys, and activities? Do the rooms, hallways, and bathrooms seem clean? What about their outdoor areas? Are there any?
- Cost - What's the range that you are hoping to pay? What do you want included in that cost?
- Ratios - How many teachers do they have compared to the number of children? Will your child be lost in the crowd, or will they be known and appreciated as an individual?
- Hours of Availability - What hours do they provide care? What holidays are they closed?
- Approach - Do they provide more than just babysitting? Are the children learning and being encouraged to explore the world around them?
- Teacher Experience and Turn Over - What background do the teachers have? Are there people who have been there a long time?
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Ask the Right Questions
We encourage you to tour (either in person or virtually) the centers you are considering. If the center is not currently offering tours, ask to set up a time to talk with the director or admission representative. You're going to want to ask questions and clarify information before making a decision.
And it is important to ask the right questions. We've compiled a list for you to take a look at and use as a guide. You may have certain things on your mind and forget to ask about others. Take our list. Add to it. And we hope that it helps.
We also recommend that you ask the same questions at each place you interview; that way, you will be able to compare answers directly to determine which ones fit your needs the most.
Follow Your Instincts
We know this one is vague, but it needs to be said. In the end, after all of your comparisons and lists, listen to your heart. Follow your instincts. When you visit a child care provider, what feeling do you get there? Are people warm and inviting? Does it feel safe? Does it seem like you could connect well and partner with the teachers? Do they seem willing to partner with you? Is it a place where your child would be nurtured, given attention, and would look forward to going to each day?
Your child is worth the search and being confident in your decision.
In the end, you want a place that feels like a home away from home. You want people who feel like extended family. You want what's best for your child. Keep searching. You'll find it!
Amanda Carbury
Director of Enrollment Management and Financial Aid
admission@congressionalschool.org
703-533-9711 ext. 309