All children develop differently, and at their own speeds, so there’s no correct age at which to send them to day care. Instead, parents should consider their kids’ personalities and abilities. Here are a few traits that signal your youngster is ready.

3 Signs Your Little One Is Ready for Day Care

1. Comfortable Being on Their Own

Kids fare best at day care if they already have experience being away from their parents for a long period. This can include spending the weekend at a relative’s home or being with a babysitter while you’re working. If your child hasn’t had this experience, test the waters by leaving them with a trusted adult for a few hours to see how it goes.

2. OK in Social Situations

Day care requires basic social skills because children spend long periods with their peers. If your little one has positive interactions during play dates and activities with other kids, they should be OK in a day care group. If you’re unsure about their level of development, schedule a play date with a cousin or friend to assess their social skills.

3. Independent

Most day cares require all students to be potty-trained. This level of independence is usually accompanied by other skills, such as hand-washing or being able to eat lunch and snacks on their own. The more capable your child is with these tasks, the more fulfilling the day care experience will be.

If your little one checks these boxes, enroll them at Lil Smarties Learning Centers in Ferguson, MO. These kind educators provide children with a safe and stimulating environment to encourage their development. Your youngster will also enjoy a delicious meal during the day that’s designed to provide all the key nutrients. Get more information about their program online, or call (314) 473-1233 to ask about enrollment.