Feeding equipment:
Some daycares require you to provide your own basic cutlery and dishes. If your little one is still on a bottle, you will need to supply those. Check with your facility to find out what they require.
Daycare Checklist
Welcoming a child into your life is the beginning of a thrilling, terrifying, and above all, rewarding journey. We want to nurture them physically, emotionally and developmentally, but the fact is that there will come a time when we need to entrust that task to another person. Daycare is a huge step for a little human, whether they are a toddler, a baby, or a young child. But how do we choose the right one? How do we know if we are entrusting our children to the right people? The search for the perfect daycare can feel overwhelming, teeming with questions and considerations. What’s the best environment for your child’s early learning? How do you ensure their safety and happiness while you’re away?
Choosing the right daycare is more than just a case of who can look after your child during the day. It’s about finding a nurturing environment that fosters growth, learning, and happiness. We have created a comprehensive checklist covering the key steps and considerations to help you choose the right daycare for you and your child.
Before you begin
Before you begin looking for the correct daycare, you need to explore a few aspects.
Understanding your child’s needs
Every child is different, and that needs to be reflected in your daycare choice. Choosing your daycare needs to be based on their own set of requirements and preferences. For instance, some daycares prefer a more fluid approach to education, while others prefer a more traditional one.
Consider how social your child is: would they be happier in a large or a smaller school? What sort of activities do they enjoy—outdoors or indoors? All of these individual needs will become the cornerstone of how you choose your daycare.
Defining your expectations from a daycare
The correct daycare needs to align with not just your child’s needs, but those of your family as well.
Start by outlining the basics: the location, operating hours, and cost structure that fits your budget. Once you have that nailed down you can begin to look at educational philosophies, such as Montessori for example. Some daycares include a meal plan, while others expect you to provide nutritious food every day. Consider the staff to child ratio, overall cleanness of the facility, and what sort of extra murals they offer.
Essential features to look for in a daycare
Now that you have an idea of what you and your child need in a daycare facility, you need to invest some time into carefully researching the options available in your area. Some daycares will only take children who live nearby, while others are not restricted by area.
Safety and security measures
The safety and security of your child while they are away from you is no doubt paramount. Whichever facility you choose needs to have a comprehensive and carefully considered safety and security system. Here are the main points to look out for:
Internal safety: Things like nonslip mats, ramps for accessibility, and furniture that does not have sharp edges. This also covers security checks on the staff that will be interacting with your child.
External safety: This covers everything that can prevent an intruder from coming into the facility. CCTV cameras, door controls, sign in/out procedures, front desk greeters, fire alarms and intruder alarms1.
Qualifications and
training of staff
Qualified staff make a huge difference when choosing a daycare. When you view potential daycares be sure to ask what qualifications the staff have, and their educational backgrounds. Educated and experienced staff create a fostering environment for children2.
Curriculum and learning environment
The curriculum that your potential daycare follows is just as important. A holistic approach will serve your child well for the future. Choose a daycare that aligns with and supports your beliefs.
Facilities and
cleanliness standards
Facilities and play areas can make your child’s experience at a daycare more fulfilling. Not all daycares are able to have extensive facilities. Your chosen one should however have a well-equipped classroom with age-appropriate and learning accessories. The facility should be clean and neat. Hygiene should be of utmost importance as it not only keeps your child safe but can foster proper hygiene habits for the future.
Visiting daycare centres
Once you have chosen your top few daycare centres, you need to set up a time to go and visit them. Schedule a visit so that both you and the staff have time to sit and discuss your expectations. Popping in unplanned may result in a rushed visit. Be sure to call or email ahead of time to confirm availability.
When you are there, keep an eye out for the overall atmosphere. See how staff and children interact with each other, and the emotional state of the kids. Look for cleanliness and hygiene in the classrooms, kitchen area and bathrooms. Check how equipped each classroom is with learning materials, age-appropriate toys, and diverse activities. Is the space organized well? Does the way that the toys are set out encourage exploration and learning?
Finally, be sure to have a list of questions that you are planning to ask the director and teachers. Some good ideas are to ask about safety protocols, emergency procedures, and the security of the premises. Learn about the daily routines, meal plans, and how they manage disciplinary issues. Always ask about the centre’s policies on sick children, communication with parents, and updates on your child’s progress.
The final step is to read reviews and talk to real people who have experience in your chosen daycare. Talk to other parents about their experiences, and research the facility on the internet.
Preparing your child for daycare
After finalizing your choice of daycare, arrange a day to introduce your child to the staff and familiarize them with the facility. It may be a good idea to scedule a few visits to help your child acclimate and become comfortable with the classroom environment and the caregivers. Talk to your child at home about their fears and concerns and be sure to address them with empathy. Ask the teacher about particular routines and introduce them to your child at home before they join the daycare.
The first day
The first day of daycare is always a time of excitement, and possibly a bit of anxiety, both for you and your child. Try to stay as calm as you can. Introduce your child to the class and teacher, and then step back to allow the teacher to take over. If your child clings to you, don’t get upset—try to say a loving but firm goodbye, and leave quickly. You can offer your child a familiar object like a stuffed toy or a blanket to take to school for the first few days to help with the adjustment3.
Daycare Checklist: What to Pack
Drinks:
Your child may still drink formula or breast milk. Be sure to pack enough expressed milk in a suitable carrying system. If not, it’s always a good idea to provide a good quality water bottle.
Food:
Older babies and children may need a packed lunch. Some daycares provide food, so be sure to check with your facility. If you do need to pack a lunch, stay away from sugary foods and drinks. Use a good quality airtight food container and a portable cooler with a child safe ice block. If your child has any allergies, be sure to communicate that with the daycare. Some food ideas are:
- Bananas
- Grapes (halved)
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Raspberries
- Watermelon
- Apples sliced with lemon juice
- Melon/Cantaloupe chunks
- Oranges/Clementines wedges
- Nectarines
- Tortilla wraps/roll-ups/pinwheels
- Mini pizza
- Mac and Cheese
- Pasta salad – spiral pasta with dressing
- Tortellini
- Bagel with topping
- Cheese sandwiches
- Tea sandwiches
- Cheese sticks sliced
- Sliced cheeses cut into shapes (ie cheddar, provolone)
- Shredded cheese
- Chicken nuggets
- Turkey/Ham lunch meat rolled up or slices
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Yogurt tub
- Hummus
- Cooked pasta
- Crackers (Graham, Wheat Thins, Goldfish, Animal)
- Pretzels
- Granola bar (if nut-free)
- Cheerios
- Muffin
- Toast
- Pita bread
Clothes:
Weather can change fast. Dress your child in comfortable clothes, suitable for the current weather. Pack an extra jacket, a few spare t-shirts, and some pants. Include at least one pair of long pants and one pair of shorts. Add a few pairs of socks, underwear and a hat. Make sure that every item is labelled clearly with your child’s name.
Diapers and wipes:
If your child is still in diapers, be sure to pack enough for the day plus extra just to be sure. Ask if it is possible to leave a large stock of diaper supplies at the daycare in a labeled container.
Sleeping gear:
Often children will have nap time at daycare. You may have to pack a blanket or pillow or sleeping bag. Check with your facility to find out what they require.
Various other items like sunscreen are extremely important:
Medicine:
If your child takes prescription medicine, be sure to make the school aware. Pack what is needed for the day into their bag with clear instructions every day. Label each bottle carefully.
Daycare is a big step in both you and your child’s life. It may feel like your little one is leaving the nest, but it’s just the beginning of their next wonderful adventure. Choosing the right daycare can lay the foundation for the next step in your child’s life. Embrace it, do the research, and watch your child blossom.
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