What is Quality Infant Childcare?

It’s an unfortunate telling sign that amid the COVID-19 pandemic pressure across the world to reopen businesses and get people back on the job, there’s been little talk about making sure those returning workers have safe, reliable child care for their kids. Child care is too often an afterthought and it’s treated as an optional expense. A lifestyle choice. A woman’s problem. But you can’t have a strong, prosperous economy if a significant portion of the population can’t work. And parents of children too young to be left home alone can’t get back to work as long as schools, infant childcare and day-care centres are closed.

Child-care providers operated on razor-thin margins before COVID-19 and the extended MCO have left many on the brink of collapse. Industry groups warn that without some kind of help, the nation could lose about a third of its child-care capacity. Now just as parents start to return to work, infant childcare providers have real questions about whether they’ll even be able to resume operations. Providers are struggling to keep up with the latest public health guidance about whether it is or isn’t safe to reopen, so many are staying on the sidelines until there’s more certainty. Nor is there a clear answer yet on whether infant childcare centres will be able to open.

What Is Quality Infant Childcare?

Quality child care means a program is a safe, healthy, caring and educational place for young children to learn and grow. It supports all areas of a child’s development and wellbeing. Furthermore, childcare is a top concern for many parents, and making decisions about child care options can be difficult. To find high-quality infant childcare that will enrich your child’s development and learning, it is important to explore different options to determine the right fit for your family. Considering your specific needs, visiting and speaking with child care providers, and speaking with other parents can help you make the right choice.

How To Choose Quality Infant Childcare?

• Find an infant childcare that follows your baby’s schedule.

During your time at home with your baby, you’ve found a sleeping and feeding schedule that works best for your family. Although babies’ schedules are never 100 per cent predictable, the right daycare will work with you to follow your baby’s routine as closely as possible. While some daycares enforce naps at certain times, you should look for a place that pays attention to when your baby needs to sleep. Caregivers should know how to watch each child closely for signs of tiredness such as eye-rubbing and sucking on fingers are all signs that it’s time for some shut-eye. Whether your baby likes rocking, singing, being held, or using a pacifier, the right infant childcare will partner with you to learn what works best for your baby and be there to comfort them right away when they wake up.

• Spend quality time with the caregivers.

Maybe most important of all is choosing a daycare where you feel great about the people taking care of your baby. Caregivers should take the time to really talk to you and answer your questions no matter how many you may have. Because it is a great sign that they will be there to communicate with you every step of the way, even after you’ve enrolled. Getting to know the teachers will help you figure out if your potential quality infant childcare keeps parents in the loop and, if they do, how they communicate. Whether that means quality face-to-face conversations at drop-off and pick-up or an open-door policy so you can stop by anytime, you have to choose somewhere that offers the kind of communication that feels right to you.

• Make sure the infant childcare centre is clean and tidy.

Ever since your new baby arrived, your house hasn’t been as clean as it used to be and that’s okay! But your daycare should always feel clean and tidy, even when your house is a bit of a mess. However, a little clutter is bound to happen when kids are playing with toys all day. On your visit, look for evidence that teachers clean up after each activity and keep their classrooms tidy. A childcare centre that has cleaning policies in place is important to make sure the space is safe for kids to crawl and play to their heart’s content. Besides that, it’s important to give them the freedom to explore and a shoe-free policy is the best way to keep their little hands and mouths away from germs and dirt while they discover the world.

• Check for licensing.

Once you’ve found the quality infant childcare you really love, how do you know your baby will thrive there? To start with, it’s important to know the difference between a licensed centre and an accredited one. For daycares, licensing is the bare minimum. Any daycare you consider should be licensed to operate. However, some accredited centres go above and beyond to make sure teachers are giving your child the very best education possible. Because these infant childcare centres aren’t just safe places for your baby but also places where children grow their minds and prepare for the future.

Nevertheless, finding and choosing quality infant childcare may be one of the most important decisions you make as a parent. Whether your child is being cared for at a child care centre or at home by a family member, there are things you can ask for and expect. You need a provider who can fully support your child’s ongoing development. Understanding the benefits of quality infant childcare will help you look for child care providers who are well-trained and have experience working with young children. On a side of the note, a positive caregiver is important too because a person who has an inspiring attitude and tends for your child in a loving and caring way. This person responds to your child’s needs, which will make them feel secure, confident, and more excited to explore and learn.