Trusting your baby or toddler to another person can feel overwhelming. If you’re feeling a little uncertain about leaving your baby at a learning center, you’re not alone. Most parents feel mixed emotions about this important stage.
Research shows that as many as 7 in 10 families have primary caregivers who work outside the home. Parents have to feel comfortable with their child’s care. So, how can parents find the best infant and toddler program?
At Little Sunshine Preschool, we know how important your child’s earliest years are. That’s why we offer high-quality early learning programs in the most nurturing environment.
We put together this guide to help you find the best early childhood education programs for your child’s needs. Contact us to learn more about the care and education we offer. You may also ask questions or schedule a tour of our incredible school.
What Are the Benefits of Early Learning Programs?
Infants and toddlers are ready and excited to learn about the world around them. Research shows that a child’s brain develops more during the first five years of life than at any other time.
High-quality programs give infants and young children the care and education they need to thrive.
Here are some of the most significant benefits of early learning programs for infants and toddlers.
Care
This may seem like an obvious point, but infants and toddlers require constant supervision. A high-quality early learning program provides safe, continuous care. Staff members maintain a safe and secure environment so children can explore without risk of injury or harm.
Socialization
Spending lots of time with new caregivers and other children can help youngsters develop good social-emotional skills. Young children who attend childcare may have an easier time starting preschool or kindergarten in the future.
Licensed staff
The staff in a high-quality early learning program is trained and licensed to provide excellent care. They have the knowledge and skills to work with a wide range of behaviors and needs. Early childhood educators can also identify children with developmental delays.
Children with developmental needs may require early intervention services or school readiness programs. A learning center’s staff can refer families to the resources they need.
Reliable hours
Early learning programs offer regular hours. Many are open for 10-12 hours each weekday. This allows families to find the care they need to accommodate their work schedules.
Infant and toddler programs provide safe, nurturing education and care to children of all ages. Many learning centers offer programs for children from birth to kindergarten. As your child grows up, you may keep your child in the same center for preschool.
What to Look for When Choosing an Early Learning Program
As a parent, you probably want your baby or toddler to have care, enrichment, and plenty of fun while they’re away from you. There are several other things to look for when choosing an early learning program. These include:
- A safe environment
- Developmentally-appropriate learning
- A clean, soothing environment
- Dedicated, caring teachers
You can ask several questions to learn more about the care a learning center provides. Here are some of the most important questions to ask.
What are your hours?
A center isn’t the right fit for your family unless it offers the schedule you need. Research the center’s hours, location, and educational philosophy before applying.
How many children do you care for at a time?
Learning centers must follow the law about how many children they can care for at a time. But it is still important to know how your center is staffed. Are there extra classroom helpers to ensure good care and safety? Adequate staffing is essential to providing excellent care.
What training and education do staff members have?
Learning center staff members have a wide range of responsibilities and duties. The center director should have an educational background in early childhood education. Teachers should have some level of education or training in a relevant field.
Educators and caregivers should have CPR and first aid training, safe food preparation, and infectious disease control.
How do you handle illness and injury?
Early childhood education staff should follow specific policies about handling illnesses and injuries. The center must have clear guidelines on when children must remain at home because of a disease.
The center should also have a policy regarding staff illness. There should be enough staff members so that educators do not have to come in to work sick.
What is your daily schedule?
The center’s schedule should allow infants and toddlers to get the care they need throughout the day. The schedule should allow time for play, eating, diaper changes, outdoor time, napping, and transitions.
Find an Early Learning Program for Infants & Toddlers in New Port Richey
Reach out to the team at Little Sunshine Preschool to explore our family childcare programs in New Port Richey. Call now with questions or to schedule a tour of our incredible school.
