Parents want only the best for their children.
No one would seem to contradict this assertion. It’s like a non-negotiable proposition, etched in stone.
It’s true: parents go to great lengths just to provide the needs of their children even at the expense of their own needs. They don’t hesitate to make sacrifices if only to give everything they can for their kids. Children’s needs come first before parents’.
No wonder mom and dad would leave no stone unturned in their quest to find the best child care center in Las Vegas Nevada for their dear little ones.
Vital Elements
If we go by the checklist put forward by Child Action, Inc. — a child care resource and referral program in California, USA — there are four main areas parents must have to look into in choosing a child care facility.
These are:
Staff
The very first thing parents should check on is the personnel manning the institution. People constitute the foundation of any child care program. And caring for the bouncing little tots is certainly not a walk in the park, hence it demands special qualities from those who are entrusted to look after them while the parents or guardians are away.
Many questions need to be asked when choosing a child care center in Las Vegas Nevada. Do they staff have genuine heart for the kids? Do they enjoy being with them without trying? Do they respect the kids? On the other hand, do the personnel of the center have a heart for the parents as well? Are they always ready to talk to the parents? Do they have the patience to walk through mom and dad (and even granny and granddad) about the developments of the kids?
Most important of all, are they properly trained for the job? Do they undergo constant upgrading of their skills to meet the increasing demands of their profession?
Learning Environment
Learning environment consists of two things: one is the physical environment, the other is the emotional atmosphere of the child care center in Las Vegas Nevada.
A high quality provider offers a facility that’s both cheerful and welcoming. Child Action, Inc. says “the main activity space should have enough space on the floor, with child-size furniture, and quiet areas where children can relax.” The area should have comfortable temperature and ample lighting, complete with a variety of materials including dress-up clothes, props, dolls and puppets.
Outside, the children should be given ample space to run, jump and climb. Shaded areas, places to sit down, and access to drinking water should be present. It’s ideal if natural objects like rocks, trees and plants are provided to mimic the real environment outside.
As to the emotional environment, the daily routines and schedules should cultivate a sense of order and help kids feel more secure and independent. Programs and activities should be geared towards building friendships and relationships, fostering acceptance and understanding and promoting management of feelings. Obviously, kids should feel happy, comfortable, active and participative in the different activities.
Health & Safety
Health and safety includes the prevention of injury and illness of both children and staff. Thus, it covers issues related to emergency procedures and health and hygiene.
Parent Involvement
A parent’s role in child care does not end when the child is handed over to a provider. The opposite is true. Parents should instead take an active role even while the personnel of the provider are taking care of the child day after day. The development of the child becomes more balanced and enhanced when both parents and provider maintain healthy relationship.
Besides these vital elements, there are still other aspects of child care to consider. Check out our next blog and learn other factors that you, as a parent, should be looking out for when choosing a child care center for your little ones. Do you have tips and comments about this blog? We want to hear what you have to say. Your opinion counts. Feel free to leave your feedback in the comments section below.
