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Your Young Child's Development and Safety are on the Line |
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August 4, 2015 - While many working parents know how convenient child care facilities can be, Connecticut Better Business Bureau recommends that parents looking for day care take into account its important role in young children's development. "Many of these children will be exposed for the first time to a variety of opportunities to learn, and just as important, to socialize," according to Connecticut Better Business Bureau President, Paulette Scarpetti. "Parents want to know that their child receives attention and mental stimulation in a safe and caring environment." Parents can get recommendations from family and friends, but they should also check bbb.org to read about other consumers' experiences to see whether there is any pattern of complaints. Questions to ask include:
A preliminary visit is essential to check out safety and cleanliness, and to meet the people who would have the well-being of your most precious commodity - your child - in their hands for a significant portion of your youngster's day. Connecticut Better Business Bureau offers a checklist to use before you sign a contract:
Ask about the communications policy - Will employees call you on a regular basis to let you know how your child is doing? At what point would they notify you if your child is sick or injured or if there is any other sort of emergency? Avoid unwanted charges - Ask if there are additional charges for activities, transportation, food, late payments or cancellation. What is the group size - The size of the group and ratio of children to caregivers determine to what extent your youngster will receive the attention he or she needs. These needs change as children grow. Take a cue from the youngsters - Do the children you see at the facility seem happy and engaged in the activities? Ask if your child may spend part of a day in the center to see how he or she likes it. If your work schedule permits, you can make your youngster's child care experience a memorable one. Join in events such as field trips and arts and crafts. Don't forget to be there for their birthday, or drop by unannounced to visit them. |