Picking The Right Daycare

According to Parenting magazine, more than 50 percent of mothers with kids under the age of 1 are in the work force, leaving their treasured children in the hands of others.

Finding the right daycare or childcare situation can seem overwhelming, but Denene Millner, an editor at the magazine and AOL parenting contributor, says it's a lot easier if you know what to look for.

Here are some suggestions from the magazine:

Visit the place. Talking to the director by phone isn't enough. It's important to visit the daycare center to see what it's really like. Go solo, because bringing your child may distract you from listening and observing. You can arrange a follow-up trip for your child to meet the teachers and the other kids. Avoid crunch time. Visit the place after kids have settled in (typically late morning), and spend at least an hour.

Observe the teachers. Ideally, infants and toddlers remain with the same group of children and teachers all day. There should be a daily schedule, with low staff turnaround. Caregivers should respond to and interact with the infants. Do the care providers seem to take time for and enjoy interacting with the children? Do the children seem happy and engaged?

What is the background and experience of the staff? Ideally, they should have six to 18 months of training in child development, health, and safety, or accreditation by a family care organization. Find out if family providers are licensed by the state and if the center or home is accredited by a professional organization.

Check the infant-to-teacher ratio. For each adult, there should be no more than three to four infants or toddlers, four to six 2-year-olds, or seven to eight 3-year-olds. When you visit, ask if any children are absent that day, and make sure to include them in your count.

Sensory development should be encouraged. It sounds obvious, but promoting development should be a priority. Are infants moved from one area to another to change their perspective? Are toys rotated? Are infants able to crawl and explore safely? Ask if there's a curriculum; even young children can benefit from one. Is TV used as a substitute for more stimulating activities?

Watch for signs that motor skills are nurtured. There should be a variety of activities that encourage grasping, pulling, and pushing. There should also be opportunities to boost hand-eye coordination, such as fitting objects into a hole in a box and self-feeding.

Breastfeeding should be supported. Any director will say that breastfeeding moms are welcome, but unless there is a designated quiet, comfortable, and private place for nursing, that doesn't mean much.

Evaluate the indoor and outdoor environments. Inside, look for soft floor coverings, such as rugs and cushions. The babies should have ample open floor space and there should be areas of the room that serve different purposes. Are there low, open shelves that let children select their own playthings? Outside, look for a variety of surfaces such as: soil or sand for digging, small hills, grass, and paved areas for wheeled toys. There should be both sunny and shady areas (or portable shade equipment).

Look for solid safety procedures. In the event of an emergency, each staff member should have an assigned role. Check that emergency phone numbers, along with parent contact information, are posted in an accessible place, such as by each phone. Ask how often they have unannounced evacuation drills.

Other safety features to look for: Are infants put to sleep on their backs? (See for yourself; don't just take their word for it.) Outdoor play areas should be fenced and secure. Inside, doors should be locked at all times; visitors should be granted admittance by staff. You'll want to ask how prospective employees are screened, and once hired, what training is required.

Check references. Ask the provider for names and numbers of other parents who have used the center or home. Talk to them about their experience. Even after you have started using your chosen daycare, continue to drop in and check it out periodically.

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