Being a parent is hard work. Sometimes, you may need to result in putting your baby or toddler in a child care center in order to ensure proper care, stimulation and socialization while you are busy working. But beware that not all child care facilities provide good environments for children.
In fact, there are child care centers that outright neglect and abuse children. Here are some red flags that a child care center is negligent or abusive.
Bad reputation
The child care you choose for your child should be well-known as a positive place by other parents in your area. Ask parents you know about certain centers. Look up reviews on Yelp and Google. If you are hesitant to leave your child at a specific center after hearing or reading something, it is a good idea to look for another place.
Inadequate staff
A child care center should have an adequate number of employees to handle the number of children. If there seems to be an understaffing issue, there may be problems of neglect. Additionally, staff members must have the proper education and qualifications. Ideally, caregivers should have an educational background in childhood development and CPR certification.
Unclear or loose guidelines
In order to properly care for children and keep them safe, there must be distinct rules. Request a copy of the policies from the child care. If you do not receive a list of rules or they are not clear-cut, it may not be the best place for your child.
Boring environment
A child care center should have interesting interactions, up-to-date toys, interactive play areas and age-appropriate activities. It is vital for your child to receive enough emotional and mental stimulation. Take a look at how new the toys are and ask about any educational philosophies.
It can be stressful to find the right center for your child, but it is important to make the right choice.