Choosing a company to care for your child is one of the most important decisions a parent will make. Therefore, it is highly recommended that parents look for a daycare that meets the highest standard of care and nurturing of child development.

The early years area very important time in a child’s brain development. So you want a place that will help your child as he or she grows into a toddler and then a pre-preschooler. A good care provider will help them develop social skills, build relationships with teachers and other kids, figure out how to regulate their changing emotions, and learn a lot. Those are just some of the benefits of a high-quality daycare.

Where do I start looking for a good daycare? Word of Mouth Is Key. Most parents ask for daycare recommendations from family and friends, which is an excellent starting point. You might also scope out some possibilities in your area since convenience is definitely a factor. Below you will learn about the many aspects a parent should look for when choosing a childcare provider that will check all the safety boxes.

Licensing & Regulation

Ensure the child care provider has proper licensing and regulation. Anywhere you consider, it should be a licensed facility that offers a safe and clean environment. Nationally or State certified centers will give your child everything they need to reach their full potential.

To find licensing regulations and certified agencies contact information in your area, use can use the tool provided by the National Database of Child Care Licensing Regulations or search by your State.

Screening of Staff

Criminal background checks should always be required to ensure trustworthy staff is hired at the center. Additionally, all care providers should be certified in CPR and childrens first aid and have training in early childhood education or a related field. At Ready Set Grow in Woods Cross, Utah, each of their staff members obtain their Food Handlers Permit from Davis County Health Department; the teachers over the age of 18 are also CPR/First Aid certified. Annually the State of Utah requires that they receive 20 hours of child care-related training; this allows them to continue to provide the best care for the children that parents trust them to provide for during the day.

Safety and Emergency Plans

Emergency plans, such as fire drills, tornado drills, lockdowns, and earthquake drills, should be thorough and practiced regularly. In addition to consistently having safety drills, clear and detailed protocols will ensure safe responses for a variety of emergencies.

Observe safety practices

Daycare safety should start before you even set foot inside the building, it is important to work with a company that has a required passcode for entry or a staff member who lets you in, doors should not be open at all times.

When it comes to classroom safety, parents should look around and evaluate the space as if it were their home.

Other things to look for:

The Furniture is low to the ground and secured to walls or floors.

Medications and cleaning supplies are in locked cupboards so no child can access them.

Safety gates and window guards are properly installed

Electrical outlets are capped.

Playground equipment is sturdy and regularly tested to ensure safety of the children.

Outdoor play areas have safe and soft fall zones.

All outside play areas should be enclosed with secure fencing.

What is the child-to-caregiver ratio?

This is a super important thing to ask your potential child care provider because although they may state they are open for more children, the actual personal care your child can get greatly depends on how many kinds one person has to look out for. A great ratio to go off of is if your child is 3-5 years of age; having one trained adult to about 6-10 children is a good limit. If your child is of school age, having one trained adult to about 10-12 children is a good limit.

It may also depend on your child’s personal needs. You know your child and the care they require best so make the decision you think that best suits your child.

What are your procedures for pick-up and drop-off?

A well-trained and organized facility will have a detailed plan for each type of drop-off or pick-up, this includes; arrival & departure, late drop-off or early/ late pick-up. A child having the ability to always be under a safe and supervised environment is exactly what you want out of a facility.

Is there a learning plan?

If you are paying for a child care program, there are so many out there that can help make sure the child is getting the learning they need to ensure they grow up well-rounded. Having a complete and comprehensive curriculum is a great thing to look for when deciding if a daycare is right for you.

Approach to discipline

Child care professionals face one of the most difficult challenges: guiding children’s behavior. The best guidance and discipline practices are designed to promote and reinforce positive behavior, prevent misbehavior, as well as manage misbehavior. Children need to be taught how to redirect and manage them. Talking openly with potential child care providers will allow you to have open conversations about how discipline is handled under their supervision.

Communicate with parents

Child care providers have the unique ability to spot if a child’s development is not following normal milestones or stages. Child care providers are responsible for addressing concerns immediately with parents if there is any possibility of a child experiencing developmental delays. Sometimes parents rely on child-care providers for professional advice. It is important that parents who come to child care providers with concerns about their child’s development listen to them. Spend a few days with the child and observe if the same problems are present. The child and parent should then share their observations with each other and decide what next steps to take.

Tips for communication concerns for the provider or the parent

Choose a time and place where you can talk alone to ensure privacy.

Make sure the parents and the provider have enough time to talk and resolve issues.

Be prepared for strong emotions.

Begin by saying something positive about the child to ensure the conversation is not all on a low end.

Ask if parents have concerns or questions about how the child seems to be developing.

Share your own observations and concerns.

Choose your words carefully.

Avoid using labels or technical terms.

Be ready to offer information and resources.

Continue your support.

Trust your instincts.

Choosing a quality daycare provider is not as difficult as it may seem but finding the right daycare is one of the most important decisions that you will make for your baby or child. With so many choices, finding the best one can be overwhelming but very worth it.

The road to choosing a good daycare for your child should be filled with positive reviews and trusting your instincts. If you are a parent looking for Child care in the Woods Cross, Utah area, checking out Ready Set Grow as an option is a great path to start on.

Ready Set Grow is an excellent child care provider in the Woods Cross, Utah area. They strive to ensure great safety and education for the child while under their supervision.

David Simson

The author, Dr. David K Simson is a trained radiation oncologist specializing in advanced radiation techniques such as intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT), volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) / Rapid Arc, stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT), stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). He is also experienced in interstitial, intracavitary, and intraluminal brachytherapy.