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Choosing
a Provider
Visit several
providers. Ask questions. Then choose which is best for your child,
and for you.
Caregivers
are also teachers. These skills really matter:
Do
they...
...truly seem
to like children? Ninety percent
of a child's intellect, personality, and social skills are formed
by age three. Children and caregivers must be happy together.
...speak to
the children on their eye level? Vital
formulas for life are learned early, so speaking on the right
level matters.
...greet each
child when he or she arrives? Welcoming
brings security. Greeting is polite. Children can learn early
how to treat others well, in school, at work, in life.
What
do the caregivers know?
Are they trained
in CPR and first aid? Do they take refresher courses?
Do they participate
in continuing education programs? Which ones? Don't hesitate to
ask to see certificates. Ten hours per year are the state minimum.
Well-trained providers feel good about themselves professionally
and that positive attitude transfers to the children.
Are they licensed?
By whom? Ask to see recent evaluations. Educated, accredited providers
help children achieve higher levels of school readiness.
Do they know
lots of ways to play? Play is the best way for young children
to learn the concepts, skills, and tasks to set a solid foundation
for school, work, and life success.
Are they diligent
about proper hygiene? Hand-washing after diaper changing and nose
wiping significantly reduces infection; infection increases 25%
without proper hygiene.
Activities
make a difference
Do they vary
for different age children?
The wrong
activities harm language and social development as well as school
performance.
Are there
separate areas for active play? Quiet play? Resting?
Children in
quality environments are less likely to repeat grades, need special
education, or drop out.
Is there a
balance every day of play time, story time, activity time, and
nap time? Outside time in the sunshine for Vitamin D?
Are there
enough toys and books for the number of children?
Are the toys
clean, safe, and within reach?
Setting
Is the environment
bright and light and pleasant? Clean smelling?
Is there a
fenced-in outdoor play area with safe equipment? Can the caregivers
see the entire playground at all times?
Does the play
area have age-appropriate equipment? Swinging increases brain
development. Crawling in tunnels builds motor skills. Bouncing
aligns the brain. Pouring and measuring in sandboxes develops
pre-math skills.
Discipline
Are the rules
clear and consistent? Unclear fules cause children to withdraw
into themselves, failing to learn skills to participate in school
and work, and life.
Is positive
reinforcement always practiced, not negative criticism?
Do the rules
allow room for children to try new things, initiate, be creative?
Does the caregiver
believe discipline is positive redirection, not unexplained punishment?
DO
YOU HEAR THE SOUNDS OF HAPPY CHILDREN EVERY VISIT?
We do not license,
endorse, or recommend. It's up to you to choose.
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