Finding a reputable day care center for infants and children can be daunting. After all, you’re trusting the staff to provide as much tender and loving attention to the little ones as you would. With due diligence and a bit of homework, the search for the right facility can be stress-free. Here are several tips to keep in mind as you consider your child care options.

How to Choose Your Child’s Day Care Center

1. Stop By Unannounced

Assess a prospective day care center by making an unexpected visit. Doing so gives you a truer sense of how the facility operates and how staffers interact with children. Pay close attention to important details like cleanliness. Visit at different times of the day to view daily routines.

2. Ask Hard Questions

Don’t be afraid to ask probing questions about the center’s care services. For instance, what is the daily schedule for infants, especially feeding and interaction times? Inquire about discipline procedures for older children and if they permit modifications. Find out the ratio of babies and children to staff to get a sense of whether your kid will receive the appropriate attention.

3. Do a Background Check

Consult with your state’s department of human services or a similar agency to confirm that the facility is licensed. You should also be able to get information on inspection visits and any complaint filings. An online search may also yield other helpful details, including reviews from parents and guardians.

4. Trust Your Instincts

If something doesn’t feel right about a facility or the staff, trust your instincts. Placing your infant or child in someone’s hands should bring peace of mind — not anxiety and fear. Choosing the right center will put you at ease that your kid is in a safe and nurturing environment.

Your children deserve a loving environment to have fun and thrive in. For a day care center in Lincoln, NE, parents turn to the Merry Manor School of Childhood. For 70 years, their professional and compassionate staff have been offering a quality curriculum and personalized attention. To learn more about them, stop by for a tour. For any questions, call (402) 466-2215 today, and visit the website for extensive information on the facility and its services.