First Childcare Experience? Considerations & Questions!

Finding the right childcare or daycare center can be overwhelming. It's an important decision, and there are many things to consider. At Little Jewels Learning Center, we encourage you to visit, ask questions, and take the time to find the right childcare environment for your family. While location and safety are always at the core of decision-making, other essentials such as staffing, and curriculum are also critical selection components. Below are categories and questions to help you gain the information you need to decide wisely.

First Impressions Matter!

There is power in observation. Look carefully around the environment where your child could spend significant time. Everything you see can help determine if this is the right place for you and your family. There is much to consider about the facility and what it may or may not offer. Information online can sometimes be outdated or misleading, so it's wise to visit and verify. Review these questions before your visit, and take a moment to think through them afterward.

• Were you greeted in a friendly manner?
• Did your tour guide introduce themselves?
• Is the building safe and clean?
• Are all the entrances secured?
• Does the center have a family atmosphere?
• Do the rooms look clean and safe?
• Are the toys age-appropriate for that specific room?
• Are the toys sanitized daily?
• Do the toys in the rooms and on the playground look safe?
• Is the playground fenced-in and safe for the children?

Policies & Offerings

Policies can differ significantly from one childcare center to another, so you must find one that works well with your lifestyle. Also, there is much to consider about the facility and what it may or may not offer. Information online can sometimes be outdated or misleading, so it is essential to verify current services. Here are some important topics to make sure you discuss with prospective providers:

• The Drop-off and Pick-up Policy: How does it work?
• Visiting Rules: Can you visit your child anytime?
• Communication: Who do you contact if you have questions?
• Sick Policies: What is in place if my child is sick? Other children?
• Transportation: is it offered? How does it work?

Staff Considerations & Qualifications

As important as loving the building and surrounding area is, understanding who will be interacting with and teaching your child plays a huge role in the daycare search. You want your children to be in a safe, welcoming, and enriching environment, so take a moment and consider those who will be caring for your child.

• What qualifications are required of the teachers?
• Are the teachers certified in CPR and First Aid?
• Does the center have a lot of turnover among its staff?
• Are the teachers down at the children's level interacting with the children?
• Are the teachers caring toward the needs of the children?
• Do the teachers look happy?

Learn from the Students

A great way to see if a childcare center is right for you and your family is to look around at the children already there. By seeing the types of activities, learning environments, and curricula children embrace, you can get a handle on the experience you and your family might have. Look around and see:

• Do the children look happy and engaged in activities?
• Are there a variety of extra activities offered, and what is the cost?
• What kind of structured curriculum is offered?
• How do teachers communicate with the parents daily?
• Is there a positive method used to guide the children's behavior?

Every daycare and childcare provider is quite different. At Little Jewels Learning Center, we provide trusted daycare and preschool education for children ages six weeks to school. Our vision is to be a space where families feel connected, and children can grow and learn. As our name suggests, we believe each child is unique and unforgettable – a little jewel. It is our honor to care for and help children gain the best possible advantage to succeed in school and life. We welcome your questions and encourage you to visit any of our Bloomington-Normal locations. We look forward to meeting you!