by Kathleen Tehrani

Created on: September 25, 2009

Probably one of the most daunting tasks of new parents is choosing a child care facility that leaves them feeling peaceful when they are engaged at the workplace. The balancing of time, work, home and relationships is challenging enough without agonizing over whether a beloved child is in an appropriate place with caring adults and a nurturing environment.

In this article I'd like to share some tips on what to look for when selecting a childcare setting. NAEYC (the National Association for the Education of Young Children) has fortunately articulated many developmentally appropriate practices for childcare facilities. Optimally a NAEYC accredited program is one's best bet for a quality facility, however, a program that has this gold star approval may not be accessible.

Always schedule to observe a prospective center. This may not be convenient to a busy schedule but it is wise to invest the time on the front end to reap the reward of an optimal experience for you and your child. Here are some things to look for during scheduled observation times.EW56Bhttp://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/ f/f8/Twogirls_xl.jpgWH6PDZ6EFP

Inquire as to whether the center under consideration has an open door policy. RED FLAG! Any facility that does not have an "open door" policy is not a facility for your child. Open door does not mean that the doors are left open, but that you may come and go without prior notification even if there is a safety system in place such as key codes, intercom system or other).
Look for facilities that focus on the children. Watch to see that children interact with other children and adults, so they can build healthy relationships. When you observe children coming to adults periodically with questions or simply to be "silly"...this is a GREAT sign. Conversely if you observe children who seem to view the adults as policemen of the classroom/schoolyard.....hhmmmm...not so much so. Ask which teaching model is used, and what curriculum they follow. There are many, but all should include a variety of activities appropriate for the children's ages and needs. Nothing breeds good behavior like children being challenged and engaged in learning something new. Nothing breeds behavior problems like.... boredom ...even if it is "structured" boredom.

Look to see that learning areas, or centers, are evident in preschool rooms. There should be a balance between group and independent play. The learning centers are where children are free to explore and learn at their

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