What You Should Look for in Childcare
In our modern, unpredictable world, making the decision to enroll your child in a daycare can be scary. Knowing who you can trust to care for and protect your child in your absence is tough, but for many parents, childcare services are necessary. Whether you are returning to work, school, or taking on other responsibilities, choosing the right local day care in Pompano Beach begins with thorough research. Put yourself at ease and make your decision in confidence by looking for these five factors!
Licensing, Certifications, and Accreditations
Child care centers in Pompano Beach are required to adhere to the rules and regulations set forth by the Florida Department of Children and Families. Licensing requires adequate space and facility safety measures, state regulated staff training, and background checks for all employees. Day care centers are required to display their licensing information in a conspicuous location visible to parents and guardians.
Childcare certifications are also important to look for in local daycares in Pompano Beach. These can include CPR and child safety, training for children with special needs, and preschool teaching certifications. You should also look for APPLE (Accredited Professional Preschool Learning Environment) accreditation if you plan to enroll your child in any VPK program.
One World Preschools are APPLE accredited and follow the Reggio Emilia philosophy. Our VPK program integrates the Creative Curriculum by Teaching Strategies with elements of the Montessori Curriculum. The staff is qualified and certified in all areas of child care including education.
Child to Staff Ratio
You don’t want to enroll your child into a daycare where they are just another number or face in the crowd. Child care centers in Pompano Beach with high child-to-staff ratios create a high risk for accidents to happen, sometimes leading to serious consequences. Low ratios mean your child will get the attention and care they need even when not in your care. This allows the staff to get to know your child as an individual and to work with them on skills like learning to share, cleaning up after themselves, or even potty training. When there’s too many children to keep an eye on them all, no one benefits.
One World Preschools maintain low child-to-staff ratios because our top priority is child enrichment. We take the time to get to you know you and your child to assist you in whatever goals you may have. Our team works directly with your child on basic life skills to help reinforce the work you are doing at home. We also maintain open communication with all of our parents to stay ahead of any foreseen areas of concern.
Security
It’s not something any parent wants to think about, but we live in a world where your child’s security needs to be a priority. This includes safety measures during fun time on the playground, field trips, and visitation policies. Security measures like surveillance cameras and supervision by more than one adult during outdoor time helps your peace of mind. While researching child care centers in Pompano Beach, ask about how the facility handles the check-in and check-out process and don’t be afraid to take a tour of the center before you sign up!
Educational Components
Daycares are for more than just babysitting. Look for a child care center that offers educational components like VPK or pre-school programs. By merging the two, your child can more easily transition into traditional school environments than other children who start schooling with Kindergarten. Educational programs that offer a curriculum with language building, colors, shapes, and numbers, and other basics give your child a head start in later education.
Amenities
Amenities are a great bonus to look for, but they shouldn’t be what sells you on a child care service. On-site playgrounds, pick up and drop off services, and extended before and after school services are great, but they don’t substitute any of the factors listed above. Look for local daycares in Pompano Beach that tick off all your boxes before you consider amenities!
One World Preschools is a great place to start your search for child care! Contact us today for more information about our programs.