What is quality a childcare centre in Clayton?

Parents in Clayton, understandably, want the very best for their children. When it comes to early childhood education, the option is always for a quality childcare centre, Clayton. Yet, what are the basic indicators that qualify a childcare centre, Clayton to be one of the best?

The search for quality childcare centres becomes possible by considering the following qualities, to include:

Ratio

Very young children need more one-to-one care. This means that parents should find out the adult/child ratio with the childcare centre they visit. The recommended child/adult ratio includes:

• 1 caregiver for 4 children under 9 months old
• 1 caregiver for 6 children ages 9 months-18 months
• 1 caregiver for 8 children ages 18 months-3 years
• 1 caregiver for 1-6 children ages 2 -3 years
• 2 caregivers for 7-20 children ages 2 – 3 years
• 3 caregivers for 21-35 children ages 2-3 years
• 4 caregivers for 36-50 children ages 2-3 years
• 5 caregivers for 51-65 children ages 2-3 years
• 6 caregivers for 66-80 children ages 2-3 years
• 7 caregivers for 81-93 children ages 2-3 years
• 1 caregiver for 1-15 children of all ages for childcare operating from 9:00 PM to 6:30 AM

Child Safety and Health

Both licensed childcare homes and facilities are required to comply with the safety and health standards of the state. Parents need to check the compliance of childcare centres in Clayton before leaving the care of their children with them.

Accreditation

A quality childcare centre will not only comply with the minimum state accreditation regulations but will go beyond that. A childcare centre can only be seen as one of the best if they have complied with programs that allow them to achieve accreditation.

Group sizes

Parents should determine the preference of their children before enrolling them in the chosen childcare centre. Children do not have equal preferences; some may thrive in a large group environment while others may prefer the comfort and quiet of a smaller group.

A childcare environment that closely matches the child’s needs and personality should be the one to go for. Generally, childcare centres are not subjected to group size requirements or limitations. As long as the required child/adult ratio is met, a childcare centre is allowed to do this. It is left to the discretion of parents to closely match the personality of their children to the group size practiced by a childcare centre.

Caregiver turnover and education

The level of continuing professional development or education of the caregivers of a childcare provider is the most important indicator of its quality. The low staff turnover is also a good sign of a quality childcare facility. Low caregiver turnover means consistent care for children which are important for their socio-emotional development.

Welcoming to parents

A quality childcare centre welcomes and even encourages parents to make suggestions, observe the class, volunteer in the classroom, and discuss policies. It is important that parents and childcare centres must operate on the same page.

Searching for quality child care facilities for their beloved children can be a challenging task for parents. However, doing the research well richly rewards the extra effort taken by parents. After all, getting the perfect childcare centre benefits both parents and children.