Do You Have A Specific Curriculum
Most daycare facilities do not teach the kids advanced educational aspects such as reading, so you shouldnt grill the provider about academic issues. Many daycare centers offer play-based learning education, including fine motor skill development, color identification, and shape-sorting.
A daycare facility with educational toys is a great option, as it gives you the impression that the center will help your child develop the right skills. However, do not forget to inquire about the strategies in place to boost the skills of children.
When To Start Looking For Infant Daycare
From the beginning of their young life, infants are full of natural curiosity. They need attention, safety, comfort and security, as well as stimulation and access to sensory discoveries. Is it time for you to get back to work? Lets be honest – we know how difficult and stressful it may be to start looking for infant daycare. However, you may be able to more fully enjoy this stage of your childs life if you know when and how to start looking for infant daycare. Little Sprouts is here to give you a hand – we offer direct support and consultation on how our full and part-time infant care can help your family.
Licensed/registed Programs Subject To Enforcement Action
Inspections are conducted before a child day care program is licensed or registered and on an ongoing basis once the program is in operation. Inspection results are available on the OCFS website on our Search for Child Care page. If a parent or child care provider has questions or concerns about the results of an inspection, they can contact the licensing staff or the regional office that oversees the program.
Also Check: Why Do Newborns Need Vitamin D
Questions To Ask Every Day Care Center
In addition to the questions above, you may want to ask the following open-ended questions:
- What would you do if my baby kept reaching for something after you told him no?
- Do you believe in disciplining bad toddler behavior with consequences or time-outs?
- How do you handle a baby who cries because he wants to be held all the time?
- What happens when two kids want to play with the same toy?
- What do you do if a baby refuses to eat?
- What type of baby food do you feed babies who’ve started solids?
Find A Licensed Child Care Program
EEC created a geographic search tool to help you find licensed child care programs. You can search by both geographic area and child care program type.
You can also contact EEC to find out about a programs license history including non-compliance findings, and any current restrictions on a license.
Read Also: How Many Onesies Does A Newborn Need
How To Choose Infant Care
Once youve found some infant care options, its time to start narrowing them down. Youll want to start the process at least two months before you need daycare, but ideally 4-8 months in advance gives you enough time to do research and nab a spot at your desired center.
When deciding on a daycare, follow these steps:
Finding infant care is easy deciding on an infant care center is more challenging. Use these tips to help you narrow down your list and find the perfect fit for your child.
How To Find Local Assistance
I know, we all start by looking online. Sometimes the internet gives you too much information that isnt helpful. Ask your OBGYN or pediatrician if they know of any local agencies, non-profits, or religious institutions that help support moms with the financial burden of child care.
So, here is my #1 tip on finding childcare in a pinch: persevere.
You May Like: How To Clear Up Newborn Acne
Why Is This Period The Best To Start Looking For Infant Daycare
From 4 to 6 months of age, infants begin to develop new skills. In particular, they begin to recognize strangers. Actually, at that age, babies begin to comprehend connections with adults and peers. And that is part of the reason why it is good to introduce them to new friends and adults. As they will be able to recognize them easily, they will feel comfortable around them more rapidly.
Moreover, at that age, children start interacting with toys by shaking and swinging. Sensory skills are more and more important. That is why sensory activities are prominent in our infant classrooms.
Looking For Child Care
Finding great child care that you can trust shouldn’t have to be so hard. We’re here to help you find the care you need for your kids. Compare child care providers or child care centers, read reviews from other parents, and search by years of experience or rates to find the perfect match for your family’s needs.
Also Check: How To Relieve Gas In Breastfed Newborns
Ask Parents You Trust For Recommendations
Talking to friends whose opinions you trust is always the best place to start when searching for childcare. The more positive experiences your friends have with a daycare or a nanny, the easier it is for you to get a feel for how they may work for your child as well. Make sure to be clear about what youre looking for when you ask your friends for their recommendations. If you are looking for a full-time nanny, you wont be able to call your best friends full-time nanny unless you agree ahead of time to do a nanny share .
Visit Child Care Centres/providers
You’ve made the calls. You’ve narrowed down your search. Now you’re ready to visit the programs/providers you’re considering. Its very important to visit the home or child care centre before enrolling your child. During your visit, you’ll want to:
- Talk with the staff, owner/operator
- Observe the interactions between the children and educators
- Assess the physical setting and general atmosphere in the centre or home
You May Like: How Many Oz Should A Newborn Drink
A Parent’s Guide To Child Care Options
There are many types of child care programs in New York State. Quality programs provide care in a warm, safe and friendly setting. Quality programs provide activities that help children learn and develop. No one type of program is necessarily better than another. You are the best judge of which program will meet your needs and your child’s needs. More information on the types of child care programs available can be found in our parent’s guide to child care options.
Child Care Resource And Referral Agency
If you are looking for child care, the child care resource and referral agency in your county is a great place to start. CCRR agencies collect and maintain up-to-date information about all types of legal child care programs in their areas. CCRR counselors can provide you with information about various types of programs, costs, financial assistance and guidelines for selecting child care, but the final choice is always your responsibility as a parent. If you want help finding child care or have questions about child care, contact your local CCRR. They will ask you about the kind of care you are looking for, the ages of your children, the hours when you need care and other specifics such as any special needs your child might have. Based on that information, they will be able to give you a list of providers that most closely meet your needs.
You May Like: What Are The Signs Of Colic In Newborns
Ask About Play And Discipline
Find out the centers practices around play, especially during outdoor time. Make sure that kids go outside and that they dont have silly policies about not going outside when the temperature is below a certain degree, Dr. Donoghue said. You should also ask about screen time: You dont want them sitting there all day watching videos.
Its crucial to know how the day care handles disciplinary problems and whether it has access to specialists who can help a child with challenging behaviors, Dr. Donoghue noted. If a day care has a history of expelling young children for behavioral problems, that may be a red flag. If there is a child who has challenging behaviors, can they figure out what is triggering them and preempt them rather than kicking them out? Dr. Donoghue asked.
Courtney Schley is a research editor at Wirecutter and mother of three.
Types Of Child Care In Nova Scotia
In Nova Scotia, as in other provinces in Canada, there are a number of child care options available to you. You can have your child cared for in a licensed child care centre, or a home that is approved by a licensed family home day care agency. You may also choose unlicensed care where your child receives care by someone in their home or in yours. Each setting has some advantages.
See Consider your Options for more information on each type of child care.
Also Check: What Shots Do Newborns Get At Birth
We Are Proud To Serve Essential Workers During The Covid
Some emergency personnel and essential workers are parents too and the pandemic response has made this a particularly challenging time for them. We have been working closely with those whose jobs require them to work during the pandemic. For many they dont have alternative child care options which is why we need support them in any way we can.
Let Your Child Know Its Ok To Talk
The most important thing you can do is to get comfortable asking your kids about mental health.
So often we tiptoe around the issues of depression and mental health in kids, says Troiano-Buckman. But if you summon up the courage to ask, youd be surprised how many kids will actually let you know.
Encourage ongoing conversation by letting kids know they can approach you if emotional issues big or small come up.
Even if your child is reluctant to talk about their mood or mental health, just bringing it up can open the door, she says. You can say, You may not want to talk about it right now but know Im here and you can talk to me if something comes up.
Troiano-Buckman suggests parents dont sidestep scary and difficult subjects like self-harm or suicide.
We have to feel comfortable bringing up issues like this. Saying directly, Sometimes when people feel really sad, they may think about things they normally wouldnt, like hurting or even killing themselves. I want to be sure youre safe: Have you had any of those thoughts? Troiano-Buckman says. We have to use those words and ask those questions because there will be kids wholl be thinking about it and may just not know how to say it themselves.
And you can honestly tell your kids: Im checking because I love you very much and want to protect you.
Youre planting a seed, just letting your kids know you want to keep them safe, she says.
Also Check: What’s The Difference Between Gentlease And Newborn Enfamil
When Babies Can Start Daycare
When to start your child in daycare is a personal decision that may depend on many factors, including:
- The length of your parental leave
- Your partner’s ability to take leave
- Your financial responsibilities
- Whether you have other childcare options, such as family members
Although infants can start daycare at 6 weeks, many experts agree that the longer you can wait, the better. This allows time for the establishment of a secure attachment with your child, complete healing of the umbilical cord, figuring out feeding and sleep patterns, and adjusting to a new life together.
Since many working parents have unpaid leave and their families rely on their income, waiting until the baby is older is not always an option.
Many daycare centers will not take babies under 6 weeks of age, and many facilities are not equipped to handle the special needs of infants born prematurely or with special medical concerns.
However, there are other ways to ensure that these newborns receive excellent care while you’re at work. In-home care providers, family members, and nannies or au pairs are all options to consider.
At Least 2 Months Before You Go Back To Work
Lets talk about organization. Depending on your location, finding a place in a daycare center can take time. Would you like to increase your chances of finding a place in a child care center quickly? We recommend you start looking for infant daycare at the latest 2 months before you plan to go back to work. If you live in a big city, such as Boston, you might even have to start looking before the baby arrives. Anticipating will give you the opportunity to choose between quality childcare provider options.
Read Also: How Much Enfamil For Newborn
Research Health And Safety Practices
Ask about the centers policies around staff health and hygiene, Dr. Donoghue advised. A lot of parents dont know how important handwashing and staff immunization is, she said, noting that preventative measures can be more effective at stopping the spread of illness than strict policies about sending mildly sick kids home.
The kid with the runny nose has probably already infected all the kids in child care before they get sent home, so all that does is inconvenience the parents, Dr. Donoghue said. It doesnt contribute to the greater health in the child care setting.
You should ask about the centers practices for food handling and safety and about the nutritional quality of meals. Its also important to know about the centers emergency plans and preparedness, both for emergencies involving a sick or injured child and for natural or other disasters. If they have no plan, that says they might not be diligent enough, Dr. Donoghue said.
How To Find A Newborn Daycare Center Thats Right For You
Finding the right newborn day care option is a process thats unique to each family and childs needs. In addition to reading reviews, speaking with staff and scheduling time to tour the facility , Maypole encourages parents to trust their intuition.
It is difficult to isolate any one thing to avoid in a child care center, other than an urge that parents should trust their gut check as they tour a center and reflect on how feel when they get home, says Maypole.
He advises asking yourself questions like:
- Does the staff seem professional and caring?
- Are the facilities well-kept, tidy and hygienic?
- Do families feel welcomed and treated as respected partners in their journey?
- Will it work for the household schedule, lifestyle and budget?
For Tinsley, getting clear answers to questions on how her baby would be treated each day was key. As a parent, you want to ensure the place you pick can clearly communicate with you how much food your baby has eaten, how long they have napped and when, and any concerns, she says. Her list of questions for day care facilities included:
In addition to these questions, Maypole encourages parents to review the experience of the staff members that will provide care to the infant and check to make sure the facility is state-licensed and accredited.
Gather your information and do your analysis, says Maypole. It may involve making a chart or spreadsheet and making a list of pros and cons.
Read Also: How To Feed A Newborn Baby With A Bottle
The Lowdown On Day Care For Infants
Many parents know from the get-go that they will need day care for their baby, while others may not know exactly when this need will arise. No matter what your situation is, you may have a tough time thinking about letting someone else care for your precious baby. Your best bet is to do some research ahead of time and find the best options for your infant, whether you’re considering hiring a child care professional like a babysitter or nanny, or dropping your little one off at a day care center or family home. Your babyâs health, safety, and development are crucial, and the right child care setting with high quality care can help promote all of that. Read on to learn all the things to consider when choosing the child care for your little one.
How To Choose Infant Day Care
In order to choose the right child care facility for your baby, itâs a good idea to visit each home or center that youâre considering. Some may have waiting lists, which is another good reason to start your search sooner than later. Once you’re at a site, take the opportunity to ask as many questions as youâd like.When starting your search, feel free to ask others for recommendations. Look to family, friends, coworkers, and your childâs healthcare provider for suggestions. Child care agencies can also be helpful during your search.Here are some questions to ask yourself when choosing infant day care:
-
How many days and hours per week might I need for my babyâs care?
-
Where do I want my babyâs care to take place: in my home, in a caregiverâs home, or at a center?
-
How close or far can the child care facility be from my home or workplace?
-
Will I be able to transport my child back and forth from home and the child care facility?
-
What type of backup plan might I have in place if the caregiver is be unavailable due to illness?
-
What size child care program do I prefer, small or large?
-
How much can I afford to spend on child care?
For more information on how to choose child care for your baby, check out the checklists below each type of child care for infants in the following section.
Recommended Reading: Can Newborn Sleep On Tummy