Gearing Up for January Enrollment – How to Find the Right Care for Your Child.

Say goodbye to the turkey and pumpkin pie. January is here again! Amid all your 2010 resolutions, starting this and stopping that, one decision you know you’ll follow through with this month is enrolling your child in Preschool. January is typically one of the most popular months for Preschool and Child Care enrollment. Here are some tips to help you choose the center that is right for you and your child:

Make a List. Many parents look for child care with an idea of what they expect. No two centers are the same, so before you begin, make a list of some non-negotiable “must haves” such as a clean facility, friendly staff, or hours that work with your schedule.

Where, When, and How. Decide where you will search for childcare. Do you prefer the center be closer to your home or to your work? Write down the times you will need childcare….don’t underestimate, make sure the hours you are looking for give you enough time to drive to and from work and a little extra time for drop off.

Finding Centers: Once you begin looking for childcare, you may see signs and advertisements where you didn’t before. Check in local newspapers and magazines or online. Get recommendations from friends. You can also call your local Child Action Office for child care referrals in your area.

Lip Service: Once you have your list of prospective care centers, give them a call to talk about their center. Since this is the first contact you will have with the center, be alert. Did they answer the phone in a friendly professional way or do they sound rushed or too busy to answer your questions? Do they wait for you to ask questions or do they willingly describe the benefits of their facility? Can they give you a clear picture of their philosophy and what their center is like?

Take a Tour: A tour of the center is truly the best way to observe how things run on a daily basis. When you go on a tour, it is important to bring your child with you. Many times, a child will react differently to a center than you will. You may notice the clean cubbies or the focused teachers, but your child will respond to the warm staff or the bumble bee’s painted on the walls. When you meet the teachers or director, do they introduce themselves to only you or do they focus on your child also? Do the children there seem happy? Is the overall feeling of the center well-running or chaotic? Does this center meet all of your “must haves”?

Ready to Sign: A care facility not only has to be the right environment for you and your child, but it also needs to be in the right price range for your budget. If you find your dollar doesn’t stretch far enough, ask the center about any promotions or special rates they may have. Before you sign up make sure you also know their policy about late fees, vacation times, sick days, etc.

Keep Talking: Your job is not over when your child is enrolled. Make an effort to talk with your child at home about how they like their new school. Listen to their ideas and pay attention if they voice any concerns. Keep an open flow of communication with their teachers about your child’s experience. Remember that a caring staff will make positive changes to ensure your child feels comfortable at their new school.

Barbara Reyes

New Life Preschool and Learning Center

10190 Systems Parkway, Sacramento

916-362-3142

www.newlife4preschool.com