There is, arguably, no harder decision for parents than choosing a day care. Especially in Columbus and central Ohio where there are hundreds to choose from. So what should you consider? What factors should make or break your decision?
photo credit: Radu Adam
How to Choose the Perfect Daycare Center
1. Your Gut
Nothing is more telling than your gut instinct. You’ll feel it the minute you step into a daycare you’re considering. How does the staff great you? Are they warm, friendly and professional?
2. Open Door Policy
Little Dreamers, Big Believers has an open door policy meaning you can walk in anytime - even if you’re a parent who’s child is not yet enrolled. Many daycares in Columbus require appointments for prospective parents. This should be a red flag.
3. Staff:Child Ratio
Ask the daycare director about their staff:child ratios. The state requires the following ratios:
1:5 or 2:12 Infants (0-12 months)1:6 or 2:12 Infants (12-18 months)
1:7 Toddlers (18-30 months)
1:8 Toddlers (30-36 months)
1:12 Pre-schoolers (3-4 years)
1:14 Pre-schoolers (4 years until eligible for Kindergarten)
1:18 School-agers (eligible for school)
At Little Dreamers, Big Believers we strive to meet the following staff:child ratios:
1:3 in the Infant Room
1:5 in the Toddler Room
1:8 for Pre-schoolers
And while ratios for toddlers and pre-schoolers may be doubled for 1 1/2 hours at naptime there will always be enough staff in the building to meet the regular required staff/child ratio in case of emergency.
4. Discipline Practices
Ask about the daycare’s discipline practices. Do they mirror yours? Do they have a clear and forthright answer? At Little Dreamers, Big Believers we use positive discipine. This technique teaches children self-discipline through careful guidance. Positive re-enforcement is used to correct any errant behavior and instead of time outs we spend quiet one-on-one time with the child. For more on our discipline police, just ask!
5. Daily Activities
Does the day care or pre-school have a consistent routine in place that gives your child both the physical and mental development he or she craves? At Little Dreamers, Big Believers we have a variety of activities from field trips, Spanish lessons, to theme days, show and tell or even Yoga classes!
6. Nutrition
Ask to see a menu from the past two weeks. It will give you a good idea of what meals the daycare serves. Are they home-cooked? Nutritious? Ask us about our menu and you’ll find that 70% of our food is organic. We also accomodate any allergies or special requests for your child.
7. The Space
Where will your child be spending most of his or her day? Is the room bright, airy and clean? Are there books along with a variety of developmental toys? Are the spaces organized but also free flowing? Come visit us to see why Little Dreamers, Big Believers is so exceptional or look at our photos and tour.
We also encourge you to use this checklist from the Ohio Child Care Resource and Referral program.
Good luck on your search! We know this process isn’t an easy one. And if you ever have any questions about Little Dreamers, Big Believers day care and pre-school please call 614-294-2922.
