As a parent, one of the most important decisions you can make for your child is which daycare, if any, to send them to.
Selecting the right facility is so crucial for the safety and growth of young kids. But how do you know which one is right for your child and in line with the values of your family? Should the current climate of the globe have an impact on whether or not you choose daycare at all? Check out these things to consider when deciding on a daycare for your child.
Is it important to you that they have continuous care and socialization?
A huge benefit of sending your child to daycare is knowing that they’ll have constant support, and they’ll begin socializing with other kids at a young age. These early years of growth are pivotal in child development, so it’s a good idea to get them around other little ones from a young age.
What does the daycare feel like when you walk in?
This is simple and straightforward, and it has a lot to do with your initial instinct or gut reaction to the facility. While it may not be brand new, consider whether or not it’s clean, well maintained, and up to date. Is the atmosphere happy and positive, or does it feel dirty and dingy? Does the space have fun decorations, new and well-organized toys, and comfortable flooring? Getting a general feel for the daycare before making your decisions is incredibly important.
Spend time researching the safety of the area.
Not only is it important that the daycare is in a safe part of time, but the facility itself should be secure. Leaving your children in the care of other people—strangers in many cases—is difficult to do, particularly when your kids are so little. Knowing that they’re in good hands is crucial.
Consider the cost.
Daycares do cost much less than a private nanny, but it can still be pricey. If you are able to stay home during the day or you have a relative you can reach out to for support, you may want to consider your financial situation. Will it be worth it for you to dish out the cost of daycare if you do have other options?
Understand the possibility of exposure to illness.
It’s clear that being around a lot of kids on a regular basis can lead to your little one getting sick more often. However, early exposure to germs can actually strengthen your child’s immune system so much that they’ll have fewer colds and infections further down the road.
With that being said, during the current pandemic, it’s important to first reach out to your pediatrician before making any final decisions. They will know what’s happening on a local level, which can pertain directly to you and your young child. Make sure you’re comfortable with the precautions your daycare is taking. Know that if something does happen—whether sickness or injury—it’s important to reach out for help as soon as possible.
Samantha A. Gregory is an author, consultant, and speaker. She’s a single-mom lifestyle, money, and parenting expert featured in The Washington Post, The New York Times, Essence Magazine, HuffPost, ABC News, and Mint.com.
Samantha founded the award-winning RichSingleMomma.com™, the first online magazine featuring personal finance, parenting, and personal development content and courses for single moms.
She aims to inspire women who are ready to thrive and not just survive in their single motherhood journey. Connect with her on Instagram @richsinglemomma.
