What to consider when choosing daycare services

Choosing a daycare service is a serious job for every parent. Here is a guide to help you find the right babysitter or daycare centre for your little bambino.

When choosing daycare services for your little one, you first need to find out about the different types of daycare available in your region. There is most likely a choice of regulated or non-regulated daycare in private homes — your own or someone else’s — or in daycare centres. There may also be drop-in or on-demand daycare services in your area, which allow you to place your child only when the need comes up. After you’ve learned about all the options, you can review the pros and cons of each and make an informed choice.

To help you make the best decision, here are some steps to take before committing to any kind of care for your child.

Do your homework
Check the Internet for reviews of any babysitter or caregiver you’re looking into.

• If you’re considering a licensed private or public daycare, call the child and youth services department of your provincial government.
• You’ll want to know if the candidates have a history of neglecting standards or have been ​​the subject of a complaint.

Talk to other people who use the service
If possible, ask other parents for their impressions.

• Don’t rely on the comments of just one person.
• Try to get several points of view so you can have an idea of ​​the place and the staff.

Visit several centres
Get an overview of the daycare scene in your neighbourhood.

• When you’re visiting, observe the group dynamics, the atmosphere and the staff’s attitude towards children and each other.

Ask about policies and procedures
Learn what you can about the daycare’s procedures for administering medications, daily routines, payment methods, disciplinary policies, arrival and naptime routines for the children and how mealtimes unfold.

• If you’re looking at a private home daycare, be sure to find out about all the other occupants of the house that could have contact with your children.

Ask about qualifications
Ensure that the babysitter or daycare staff is properly trained to work with young children.

• Ask to see their criminal record checks and certification in first aid and CPR.

Visit the entire premises
Ensure that the site is clean, safe and well-maintained, both inside and outside.

• Check that dangerous products are not within reach of the children and that the stairs are blocked by childproof barriers.
• Ask if there is an evacuation plan in case of fire, and if each child has his or her own bedding for nap time.
• Make sure the menus are composed of healthy and attractive foods and that the toys and educational materials are clean and age-appropriate.

Keep in mind that a licensed daycare is not necessarily the better service. It may meet government standards but be lacking in personality.

• Choosing a daycare service requires looking for yourself and following your gut instincts.
• Your child deserves a babysitter or daycare that surpasses the bare minimum.
• The best thing to do is learn about the standards before you make your visits, so you can better judge the quality of each place.

Above all, you want to make sure your child is safe, healthy and happy with his or her new caregivers.