With 70% of mothers working outside of the home, the search for the perfect childcare center is something a majority of parents will undertake at some point. One search of the internet will uncover the pros and cons of almost every childcare option out there.

One thing such searches rarely address, however, is what every great childcare center has in common. An exception is an article from babylist.com, 8 Important Signs of a Great Daycare. This article talks about what sets good childcare apart from great childcare.

Signs of a Great Childcare Center

  1. Stellar reviews
  2. A caring, stimulating environment with happy kids
  3. An interesting and varied schedule or curriculum
  4. Qualified caregivers who really care
  5. Safety, safety, safety
  6. Low child-to-caregivers ratio and low employee turnover
  7. Established policies and consistent rules
  8. Licensed

When it comes down to it, the best daycares have the magical combination of meeting your family’s unique checklist while and making you feel secure and happy to leave your child there every day.

Premier Academy offers affordable childcare in the Omaha/Elkhorn area. To learn more, visit us at premieracademyinc.com.

toy abacus in locally-owned childcare centers

Just as every family is unique, so is every childcare center. When choosing the best childcare, most parents have an idea of the type of childcare they want.  Perhaps, a locally-owned establishment is what the seek. There is no reason that in a city the size of Omaha they shouldn’t be able to find exactly what they are looking for.

8 Important Signs of a Great Daycare

https://www.babylist.com/hello-baby/8-important-signs-of-a-great-daycare

When you are searching for childcare centers, the choices can be dizzying. It can help to know what all great childcare centers have in common.

Making the Right Decision – Choosing Quality Child Care

https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Parent/Choosing-Quality-Child-Care/Checklist

When visiting childcare centers, it helps to have a checklist that reminds you of what to look for and allows you to record your observations.

Childcare Choices: What’s Important to Parents?

https://mottpoll.org/reports/childcare-choices-whats-important-parents

Wondering if what you consider the most important factors in choosing the best childcare for your son or daughter is similar to other parents?

Premier Academy offers affordable, locally-owned childcare in the Omaha/Elkhorn area. To learn more, visit us at premieracademyinc.com.

Choosing a locally-owned childcare center or a franchise is one of the most important decisions you will make as a parent. 70% of mothers work outside of the home today. The perfect childcare arrangement is something a majority of parents are looking to find.

Just as every family is unique, not every childcare center will suit every family. However, when choosing a childcare center, here are three important tips to help you make the right choice for you and your child:

How to Choose a Childcare Center

  1. Ask for help. Ask friends, family and co-workers about their childcare situation and if they would recommend it. Your baby’s doctor is another valuable resource. After all, they talk to parents every single day so the subject of childcare is something they have a lot of experience with.
  2. Interview providers. Begin by screening childcare centers over the phone. If they center doesn’t offer the hours you require, for example, you can scratch them off the list without having to waste any more time. You also should ask about things like cost, if there is a waiting list, accreditation, and the staff-to-child ratio. You also need to ask about staff qualifications and turnover rates. You can get into more particulars during a personal visit.
  3. Visit. Once you have narrowed down your choices, schedule a visit. If you like what you see, it is still a good idea to drop by unannounced to really get a feel for what a typical day is like. Things to look for are happy children and staff, a stimulating environment, separation of age groups, and a safe and clean environment.

Talking one-on-one to staff and owners of a childcare center will give you a “feel” for the place. It is important to trust your gut feelings, too. If something just doesn’t seem right, don’t ignore that feeling. 

Many childcare centers in larger cities such as Omaha are part of national chains. While this is not a bad thing, some families prefer locally-owned childcare for their children. These types of childcare centers can be more cost-effective than franchises and some parents say they provide a better opportunity to get to know other parents better.

The childcare industry is definitely booming and childcare franchises are popping up at an astonishing rate. However, many families prefer homegrown businesses. Some say locally-owned childcare centers are more likely to reinvest in their community and support the local economy. Other parents say locally-owned childcare centers can be more flexible because they don’t have to follow orders from a corporate office in another city.

In the end, parents must find the type of care that is right for their child and their particular situation. This takes a lot of time and due diligence. It is well worth it, though, because it means allowing your child to grow and thrive in a happy, healthy environment.

Premier Academy offers affordable childcare in the Omaha/Elkhorn area. To learn more, visit us at premieracademyinc.com.