Once you decide to place your child in childcare, an important process begins. Clearly, you desire the best possible care for your child. However, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for every family. There are many factors to consider as you find the best childcare center for your family. Today we’ll look at some of those considerations and the ways to approach them.
Consider Location
The Atlanta area is notorious for its temperamental traffic patterns and unpredictable commute times. With these challenges in mind, location is going to be an important factor in your childcare center choice. First, decide whether you want your child’s care to be located closer to your home or work. This will depend upon who will be dropping your child off and picking him up daily, how often your work location changes, and how frequently your commute changes. If you choose a childcare center closer to your work, this will mean more time in the car with your child, which can be a nice chance to reconnect and have an uninterrupted conversation. On the other hand, if you travel for work or frequently work later than expected, it might be wise to choose care closer to another trusted individual who can pick up your child when you cannot.
Ask About Partnership with Parents
When looking for the best childcare center, it is important to ask about each facility’s partnership with parents. How often will you receive updates on your child and how she is doing in class? Will you be provided with a portfolio or other written accounts of her days? If you have questions or concerns, you want to be sure that you can reach your child’s teacher quickly and meet the staff as needed. A childcare center that has plans in place to keep parents in the loop will be more likely to partner with you more successfully.
Research the Philosophy
You may have a very specific style of childcare in mind (play-based, academic, creative, religious, etc.), or you may be open to a variety of options. Regardless of your current inclination, it is important to research the philosophy of the childcare centers you consider. There are a couple of reasons for this. Firstly, even if your child is only an infant right now, there is the possibility he will be at this facility until he enters school. This means he will participate in the school’s entire curriculum. Secondly, learning about a school’s overarching philosophy will give you a good sense of their goals and atmosphere. These bigger guiding principles affect everything from classroom management to activities and more. If you are comfortable with the larger childcare philosophy, you will be more likely to feel comfortable at the center.
Speak to Other Families
One excellent way to find the best childcare center for your family is to speak to other families in your life. If you have friends or relatives who have been satisfied with the childcare they have received, ask them about the center and what made it special. Even if you can’t attend the exact center they loved, you may learn some things to look for or avoid. Also, as you research childcare centers in your area, ask to speak with current parents or parents of alumni. Since these families have spent time actually working with the facility, they can give you a sense of the community, philosophy, and what to expect.
Finding the best childcare center for your family is not a small job, Thankfully, if things are not what you hope, you can always continue looking. However, by using this list of considerations, you will be well on your way to finding the right facility for you. Are you in the market for high-quality childcare in the North Atlanta area? Consider Legacy Academy Roswell. Call or visit today to learn more.
