Selecting a day care center for your child is one of the most important decisions you will make as a parent. Your son or daughter will spend anywhere from four to 12 hours each day at the facility, making it a second home. Before choosing a child care center, it is customary to shop around to find one that is the perfect fit for your family.

Listed below are various questions to keep in mind while choosing a day care for your child.

5 Questions to Ask a Potential Day Care Center

1. Are You Certified?

The day care center you choose and its employees should be licensed by the state and accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). These certifications verify the center is up to code and the employees have taken courses on child abuse prevention.

2. What Are Your Hours?

It is important for the center you choose to be able to provide care during the hours you are working or out of the home. Typical hours are from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. However, some locations are only open half a day, while others offer extended hours. Be clear on hours and rates before you register your child to avoid any surprises.

3. What Is the Adult-to-Child Ratio?

The right adult-to-child ratio ensures children will be watched and cared for at all times. If there are too few adults, there is a greater likelihood someone will get hurt or unusual behavior will go unnoticed. An ideal ratio is 1:5 if your child is under the age of four, and 1:7 if they are older. Request a tour of the facility before you register to confirm the day care center adheres to these guidelines.

4. What Safety Measures Are in Place?

In addition to an appropriate adult-to-child ratio, ask questions regarding the safety of the facility. Ask where their fire exits are, whether kids are supervised in the bathroom, and how they are watched during playtime outdoors. You should also verify what the policy is on outside adults entering the facility, including visits from parents.

5. How Do the Children Spend Their Days?

Some facilities have hybrid day care/preschool programs where children learn colors, practice social interactions, and begin to read. However, other facilities just offer open play without any formal structure. As you visit different centers, ask for a schedule of the day’s activities to determine if they will get your little one on the right track for school.

If you are looking for a day care center in the Lincoln, NE, area, contact Merry Manor School Of Childhood. This child care center has programs for kids from six weeks to 13 years old. To speak to a representative or schedule a tour of the facility, call (402) 466-2215. For information on their preschool and after-school programs, visit them online.