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As a parent, spending time at home with your child is precious. The time you spend together allows you to bond and be present for their first important milestones. Despite the joy spending every day with your child can bring, there might come a time when you have to return to work. When this happens, you may need to place your son or daughter in a day care program.

Selecting a day care center can be a tricky process and it can be difficult to find the right fit. Below, the experts from Carrier Learning Center, in Bristol, CT, list the qualities you should look for when choosing a child care center.

1. Appropriate Hours

Before enrolling your child in a day care program, make sure their hours suit your needs. Most child care programs run from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; however, there are locations which have longer or shorter days. Get an exact schedule from the center so you can make an informed and practical decision.

2. Licensed & Caring Staff

The program you choose should be licensed and certified by the state. The staff at the center should also have undergone child abuse training, as well as CPR and First Aid. In addition to these certifications, you want the staff to be generally friendly and have a positive disposition. Children have an easier time adjusting when the environment is positive and welcoming.

3. A Clear Routine

Day CareIt is important to establish a structure with children, especially from an early age. To encourage this, child care programs often have a set schedule and routine they follow each day. This schedule outlines time each day for eating, napping, playtime, and other activities. While visiting different day care centers, request a sample schedule of their daily routine to determine if it is suitable for your child.

4. A Broad Age Range

A day care program which caters to a broad range of ages is a great choice if you have multiple children or if you plan on keeping your child in a program for years to come. Search for a center which offers infant care, preschool, and other early childhood education programs. This will help your child or children transition from year to year.

5. Stimulating Activities

A day care center that parks your child in front of the television all day is not an ideal choice. Search for a program which offers intellectually stimulating activities, such as art, music, reading, and dance. Going forward, these activities will help to lay the groundwork for your child’s education and success.

If you are interested in enrolling your child in a day care program, contact Carrier Learning Center. This child care center offers a wide range of programs for children from six weeks to 12 years old. To learn more about their child care services, call (860) 589-3000 today.

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