7 things you need to know in your search for full-time daycare

I don't know about you, but I have a lot of friends expecting babies or they have just given birth! And a lot of questions have been popping up, especially this one: What the heck do I need to know about daycare?!

I work from home and I'm a SAHM (stay-at-home-mom), however, I consulted my daycare expert Kat J., blogger of Childcare Chat. Here's what she has to say about full-time daycare:

Keep these 7 things in mind in your full-time daycare search 
By Kat J., Childcare Chat

1. Budget: Look at your budget and see if you're eligible for a subsidy. (NOTE: This process will need to be started early because there's at least a one-year waiting list for subsidy.) Visit this source for more details about childcare subsidies.

2. Location: Is it easier to have your child close to home or work?  Consider the fact that most centres will charge a late fee or some other form of consequence (i.e. warning letters, which eventually leading to termination of care, etc).

3. Philosophy and Programming: Check out the curriculum, such as Learning Through Play, Montessori, High-Scope, etc. Most of the leading philosophies tend to follow the children's lead and allow for free play and exploration. But some are stricter than others, with more emphasis on schedule. Outdoor time should be highly emphasized, too. Another tip: Some centres offer programs such as weekly music and dance. But here's the catch – you need to look for extra charges for these features, so be aware of what you're paying for!

4. Menu: This is important to ensure your child has a nutritionally well-balanced day. See whether the centre is catered or if there's a cook on-site. As well, address any allergies/intolerances your child has. Lots of centres are even adding multicultural foods into their menus, yum! 

5. Staffing: Ensure that the staff are majority Early Childhood Educators who are registered with the College of ECEs.  They should also be First Aid and CPR trained. Also, high turnover rates are not great. Consistent staff are much better for the children and it gives you confidence when the staff want to be there! It is, however, a field where the majority of staff are young women, which inevitably leads to a lot of maternity leaves. Plus there are quite a few ECEs who want to further their careers and become teachers in the school boards. As long as there's a sense of consistency in the centre for the children, that's what really matters. And happy staff = happy children!

6. Hygiene: There are strict local Public Health guidelines which outline when and how everything should be sanitized. So the centre should have a sanitizing record, a checklist of when toys/equipment and bathrooms/kitchens are being cleaned.

7. Potty training: As far as potty training goes, you can always ask about the centre's approach. Chances are, your child will use the toilet or potty without much protest, as all of his/her peers will be doing it and the routine should be very regular.

Anymore daycare tips? Post them below.