Finding the perfect daycare for your child in Denver can be a daunting task, what with the extensive choices available. Any parent would want their child to be in a safe environment where they will be nurtured and allowed to grow appropriately. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to find the perfect daycare for your family.
Understand Your Needs
Before you begin your search, take into mind the needs of your child. Second, determine the age of your child, as it will significantly change the type of care the child requires. Daycare centers may handle differing age groups, and infants, toddlers, and preschoolers are treated in varied ways since they have different needs for learning.
Consider your schedule
Do you need full time, part-time, or a little flexibility? Many parents don't have the most traditional schedules. Be sure you can find an arrangement that works with you about your schedule.
Finally, budget your options.The cost of childcare in Colorado, escpecially in denver usually runs anywhere from $1,000 to $2,500 a month, depending upon the type of facility and the age of your child. Knowing how much you can spend will help to narrow down your options.
Now that you know what you are looking for, it is time to do the necessary research for daycare options:
Daycare Centres: These are large structures that usually accommodate multiple children and provide structured programs. They usually have trained staff and resources to engage children in different educational activities.
Home-based care: A nanny or babysitter may be contracted to provide individualized care in a client's home. This could be a very flexible option, but it may be much more labor-intensive, relying on the parents to oversee much of the work.
Family Child Care Homes: These are smaller, home-based settings that are often more intimate and better suited for smaller groups of children than childcare centers are.
Find Quality Potential Daycare Providers
Use some of the ratings and review resources which allows rating and review statewide for licensed childcare providers.
Denver Resources for Finding Daycare
The following resources are in Denver for parents seeking appropriate daycares:
Search through online applications: ChildrenKare allow providers to be filtered by location, age group, and quality rating.
Social Media Groups: Local parenting groups on Facebook can often give you real recommendations and insights from other parents in your area.
Daycare Visits
Now it's time to narrow down the options and go to the doorstep of several daycare centers. Plan visits to several facilities so you can observe the environments and practices firsthand.
When you make these visits:
- Observe the interactions between the staff and the children.
- Look for evidence of cleanliness and safety measures.
- Notice the overall feel of the place-is it welcoming?
- Prepare a list of questions to ask during your visits.
Some questions you might want to ask about the qualifications of the staff, safety procedures for children when emergencies arise, daily routines, and what they do in case of an emergency or behavioral issues.
Costs and Affordability
You should know the costs involved. Many daycare centers will charge you a deposit and might charge for applications. Make sure to ask what additional costs you might incur throughout the year.
If affordability is an issue, then there are a few Childcare Aid and Funding Solutions in Colorado that you might be able to take advantage of. CCAP is one such program that was implemented specifically for eligible families in Denver. The Denver Preschool Program is another source of tuition credits for preschool-aged children.
Conclusion
After visiting several times and gathering all the information available to you about various facilities, it's time to make a decision. Compare and assess them with regard to cost, quality ratings, interactions with the staff, and how you feel with your child. Trust your instincts—choose a daycare where you would feel confident leaving your child.
