Entrusting your child to the care of strangers is not an easy decision to take.
Given the present economic scenario, it is not entirely feasible to run a family on just one income.
If you want to give the best education, food, clothes, etc, for your child, you have no choice but to leave your child at a daycare centre while you go to work.
Before you place your child in the hands of a caregiver, you need to explore the different childcare options: Family Day Care, Long Day Care, Before & After School Hours Care.
With Family Day Care, you can be assured of some level of personalized care in a homely atmosphere with fewer kids.
This reduces the risk of infection which is the most common problem faced in daycare centres.
The age of your child is also an important factor.
Babies need very special care and you need to make sure that the caregivers pay special attention to holding the baby carefully while changing nappies and even talking to the baby.
The idea is to give the baby a sense of security.
You also need to find out how the centre handles medical emergencies.
Slightly older children, 1-3 year olds, need the support of the staff in learning to interact with each other, and constantly need encouraging words from adults.
They would also need to be toilet trained.
The centre should also have special activities that will keep them occupied and out of trouble.
3-5 year olds need special attention as they are just developing their self-confidence and beginning to communicate with others.
They also start showing signs of independence which need to be nurtured in the right direction.
They definitely need daily activities that are tailor made to their specific abilities and interests.
School going children, 5-12 year olds, are learning to explain their needs and expect to be heard.
The centre should encourage conversation and guide the children in resolving any problems that may crop up amongst themselves.
It is very important that children in this age range are taken to public places like libraries, parks, museums, etc, to help them understand their social surroundings.
When selecting the childcare centre, find out how the staff relate to parents, children, and their peers.
Good communication skills are very important; not just in being able to discuss your child with the caregiver but also your child will be unconsciously learning from them.
Check if the centre is kept clean, the nappy changing area is sterile and hygienic, safety measures are in place, and there is a standard procedure for handling emergencies.
It would also be advantageous to check if the centre has NCAC accreditation so that you are sure that the centre only employs qualified child minders to take care of your child.
The first few days in a daycare centre will be difficult for you and for your child but your child will soon get used to the routine and the new faces, and you will fully appreciate the service they render.