Parenting is full of decisions. Each day, you work to understand and meet your baby’s needs and make decisions that will help them have the happy, healthy life you want for them.
One of the biggest and most important decisions you’ll make as a parent is where to send your baby to daycare. You want your baby to be in a safe, loving environment that will nurture their growth and development. There are so many daycare facilities and providers who offer infant care. So, how can you make sure the daycare you choose is the best fit for your baby and your family?
Finding an infant daycare in New Port Richey doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At Little Sunshine Preschool, we offer high-quality, loving daycare programs to infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children. Our dedicated staff are committed to providing safe, nurturing care to every child in our programs. Reach out today to schedule a site visit or to register your child in one of our programs.
Choosing a New Port Richey Daycare: A Step-by-Step Guide
Finding the right infant daycare in New Port Richey can take some time because good care is in high demand, so begin your search well before you need it. Parents who need care soon after their baby arrives may even want to start looking before they are born.
Here are some steps you can take to make the best possible decision for infant daycare.
1. Do your homework
Research local infant daycare options. Speak to parents you know about their daycare experiences and ask for recommendations. If you do not know many other parents, join a local online parenting group and request advice. You may also talk to your OB/GYN for ideas or check online childcare referral services.
2. Interview providers
Call the center before setting up a site visit and ask questions about their availability, policies, educational approaches, and hours. Eliminate options that do not match your needs or preferences.
3. Set up visits
Schedule site visits for centers that will likely meet your needs. Listen to what your gut tells you–if something doesn’t feel right during your visit, pay attention to that and continue your search.
4. Ask for references
Ask for the contact information of current or former clients who can tell you about their real experiences at the center. Look for online reviews instead of relying only on the center’s website.
5. Ask about accreditation
Accredited centers have undergone a rigorous process to prove they offer safe, high-quality care. Having accreditation also ensures that a childcare facility’s staff is trained and licensed appropriately and that there are policies in place to keep children, staff, and families safe and healthy.
Once you have visited centers and have a list of possibilities, spend some time thinking about which center feels right and where you could imagine your baby feeling safe and nurtured. Ultimately, you’ll need to rely on the information you get from the daycare staff, your site visit, and your gut to make this decision.
What to Look For in an Infant Daycare in New Port Richey
Many parents feel a mixture of emotions when considering daycare for their infant. About 70 percent of parents and primary caregivers work outside the home, meaning most people in the United States require infant daycare at some point in their parenting journey. There are so many childcare options available, and it’s essential to find the right fit for your baby and your family.
Feeling confident in your choice of infant daycare in New Port Richey is essential so that you can feel comfortable leaving your baby in the care of others. Here are some signs of a nurturing, high-quality infant daycare.
A calm environment
Babies can get overstimulated easily in a loud, bright, or chaotic environment. When you visit an infant daycare room, look for gentle lighting, minimal clutter, and limited excess noise.
Divided space
Infant rooms should be divided into separate areas for play, sleep, eating, and changing. This can help keep babies safe, allow them to nap comfortably, and minimize mealtime messes.
Room to roam
Babies should have adequate room to move and explore without being contained in a carrier, seat, or playpen. The environment should be appropriately baby-proofed and have engaging toys for babies to interact with.
Sturdy furniture
Shelves, chairs, and tables must be sturdy and small enough for babies and toddlers to use as they become more mobile.
Engaging materials
Babies are little scientists who are eager for sensory experiences. Materials like sturdy books, blocks, and toys should be simple, safe, and engaging for babies.
Engaged staff
The caregivers in an infant daycare are important to your baby’s–and your family’s–experience. Look for warm, engaged staff members who know the babies in their care well and respond to their needs with kindness.
Visiting the infant daycare center is crucial to choosing the best care for your baby. Spend time getting to know the staff and learning how they plan lessons. The more you know about the infant daycare program, the more confident you’ll be sending your baby for care.
Find Infant Daycare in New Port Richey
If you or someone in your life is searching for infant daycare in New Port Richey, reach out to the exceptional team at Little Sunshine Preschool to learn about our nurturing, play-based programs.
