Tips for Choosing a Great ChildCare

How do you know which Reno child care option is the best for your child? Here are a few pointers to keep in mind:

Do your research

You can start by making calls to known experts in the field, such as Child Care Resource and Referral agencies. They can give you information about good options in your location, according to your preferences. Be sure to ask about licensing requirements and any complaints or violations before making a decision. Also, if you need it, inquire about your qualification for any financial assistance for child care.

Visit your options

Choose childcare that is educational!

Personally visit the ones you’re considering, mostly to find out if they meet certain quality standards. You can gauge this by checking the following:

• Group Size – How many kids will there be in each group? Generally, the smaller the group, the better it is for your child. It would feel more like a family and foster a sense of safety and calmness.
• Adult-to-Child Ratio – Find out the number of kids each adult is responsible for. Again, the fewer kids per adult, the better it is. This means the child gets more attention — and this is essential especially for younger children. For babies, the ratio should be one adult for four babies. For toddlers, the ratio should be about one adult for 10 kids.
• Qualified Caregivers – This is important. Ensure that the caregivers are properly trained and educated. Ask if they have participated in activities to further hone their skills, and if they attended seminars and workshops to improve their understanding of child development and care.
• Program Accreditation – Is the Reno childcare provider accredited by the governing organizations in your area? If yes, it means that it has successfully — and voluntarily — met child care standards. The two biggest national organizations that accredit such programs include the National Association for Family Child Care and the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Often, these two bodies hold higher standards than local and state accreditation.
• Length of Service – Learn how long the caregivers have been doing this professionally. Also, find out if you will be able to have the same caregiver for a long time (at least a year), because consistency will benefit your child. Those who come and go often can make transition and adjustment difficult, not to mention the immense amount of energy and time that your child will have to expend — which would otherwise be better spent on learning new things.

Leaving your children to a Reno childcare facility can be difficult, especially at first, but it may be essential for you to continue your profession and career. By following these tips, you can be more confident that your child is being left in capable and caring hands.

Reno Child Care with Noah’s Ark

Noah’s Ark Child Center in Reno is dedicated to creating a fun and engaging childcare experience for your child. Our accredited and licensed programs provide children with both creative freedom and structured learning they need. Come check out our programs and contact us today! We look forward to hearing from you.