Deciding On A Child Care Centre

07/06/2011

At a recent Mommy Connections session, we had the honour of being joined by Victoria Sopik, the Founder of Kids & Company Child Care.  Victoria’s knowledge, honesty, and humour prompted me to ask her to write for our new website.  As a mother of 8 (that’s not a typo…I said as a mother of 8 children!) Victoria has a very interesting outlook on parenting.  Here’s your chance to see into the mind of the woman who established the policies behind of one of Canada’s fastest growing companies.  Check out her blog at:  https://www.kidsandcompany.ca/index.php?blogs

To start off, Victoria has provided our readers with some tips on what to look for when deciding on a child care centre.

• Clean and attractive centre
• Warm and inviting classrooms
• Safe and secure physical environment
• Easy access to outdoor play area
• Does the centre have web cameras?
• Can parents visit at any time?

• Age appropriate toys that allow for creativity and skill building
• High quality materials and resources
• Art enrichment program
• Literacy program
• Music program
• Sign language
• French language
• Does the centre offer a Montessori program?
• Does the centre offer flexible days (part-time and back-up/emergency care)?
• Does the centre charge late fees?

• Qualified teachers that are knowledgeable and approachable
• CPR and First Aid certified
• Do the teachers seem sensitive to the needs of children of different ages?
• Teachers should give each parent time to discuss the daily routine and any parent concerns
• Do the teachers fill out daily reports?
• Are developmental assessments completed? How often?

• Is the food catered or is there an on-site kitchen?
• Is the food natural and preservative free?
• Is the food high quality and fresh?
• Does the centre accommodate dietary restrictions and vegetarians?
• Is the centre a nut-free facility?

Click here to read a Greeting from Victoria (link to first post)