Aradiia.Com - Toddlers Child Care & Baby Sitting

Child Care & Baby Sitting

Most parents feel anxious just thinking of leaving their child in the care of another. Bountiful thoughts & questions leap into their minds. 'What if they get scared & think I have left them?', 'What if the other children are nasty to them or hurt them?', 'What if they catch something from the other children?', 'Have the staff been background checked?'. The list goes on and on...it has frazzled me already! So, to help subdue your worries, we have come up with a few tips to help you and your child along the path to finding a happy & safe Child Care & Baby Sitting environment.

Firstly work out what services are available in your area, then check to make sure that they are licensed. Some simple questions over the phone can help you narrow it down to a few that you can go and visit. Do they operate during the hours that you need? Are all staff trained in first aid? If your child needs medication, what sort of system do they have in place to make sure your child receives it & receives it correctly?

Next, sit down with your partner & also, if your child is a toddler or older, your child as well. Discuss what you want from your child carer & any questions you may want to ask. We have listed some examples below. If your child has been cared for by someone else, they may have some suggestions that you hadn't thought of. So their input, as always, is important, so listen carefully. Here are the examples.

Is the centre clean & tidy?
Is food prepared in a hygienic environment?
Is information on policies & procedures readily available?
Do you feel welcome?
Is your child comfortable with the staff & other children?
Are the staff friendly?
Do the staff wear name badges?
How long did you wait before someone noticed you were there?
Do the rooms appear to be organised?
Is it a pleasant atmosphere?
Do they recognise & accept cultural issues?
What sort of food is provided?
Is there a wide range of activities, toys & books available?
Do the staff just observe or do they participate in activities with the children?
What are the procedures for toilet training & nappy changing? Do they have spare nappies?
At what time & in what environment to they have a rest/nap?
Do the staff encourage the children?
Are you allowed to visit anytime?
How do they deal with emotional issues, e.g. separation anxiety?
What measures of discipline do they have? Are they acceptable to you?
Do they organise any family events for all the different families that attend the centre?
Do they document any issues & accidents/injuries? Is this available readily?
What security do they have?
Do they allow you to bring expressed milk for your baby?
Do they have proper sterilizing equipment?
Do you feel comfortable with the staff?
What sort of checks do they run on staff?
Do any of the staff smoke? If so, where?
Is there an orientation program for you & your child?
Are the days activities planned out?

The social benefits your child gains in these early years, helps them develop the skills they will use all throughout their life. It is important that your family feels comfortable with the service that you choose. Taking the time to ask these questions & find the best place can make a huge difference on the type of social skills your child learns. A great child care service can make for a confident, easy going & open-minded child that is easily accepting of others.