While you may think you have found the perfect daycare for your child, are you completely sure? It is crucial to know what to look for in a high-quality daycare facility and be able to identify any red flags. Because if you cannot be with your child all day, wouldn't you want to make sure that they are receiving the best possible care? Here are 5 warning signs to look out for:
Not Listening to Your Concerns
If you have any questions or concerns about your child's care, it’s best to speak directly with the staff and manager at the center. If you ever feel like your concerns are being overlooked or if the staff reacts defensively, that could be a sign that your child's care might not be up to standards. Remember, it’s perfectly okay to ask questions—you're looking out for your child’s well-being! You deserve prompt and caring responses to your inquiries.
Frequent Staff Changes/Inadequate Coverage
In Scotland, the staff-to-child ratios for early learning and childcare (ELC) settings are as follows:
0–2 years old: One adult for every three children
2–3 years old: One adult for every five children
3–8 years old: One adult for every eight children
Children attending for less than four hours per day: One adult for every 10 children
Frequent staff changes may indicate unhappy workers and issues with the work place. Additionally, the centre's manager should be easily reachable for parents, staff, and children. If the manager/owner isn’t available during the day, it may signal insufficient supervision.
Low Standards for Safety and Cleanliness
Are emergency phone numbers posted where you can easily see them? Does the staff practice fire drills? Is the playground safe from strangers? While this may seem obvious, safety should be a top priority for the centre. If the staff doesn’t know emergency procedures or access to the centre is correctly managed, it might not be the right place for your child. You need to be able to trust them with your child’s safety.
Cleanliness is also very important. Staff should encourage hand-washing, and toys and surfaces should be cleaned regularly. You don’t want your child getting sick due to unclean conditions at daycare.
Lack of Communication
Good daycare encourages parents to get involved with their child’s care. Regular family meetings with the staff help you stay connected and informed. If your centre doesn’t hold meetings or discourages your involvement, it might be time to discuss improvements with them. They should also give you regular updates on your child's progress and activities.
Additionally, check in with your child by asking about their day. Simple conversations can help you spot any issues at the centre or gauge your child's happiness.
Vague or Undocumented Policies
Your daycare centre should have clear written policies about discipline, your child’s goals, and the centre’s objectives, which should be reviewed with you before you commit. If these policies aren't written down, be cautious.
Also, the centre should prominently display its certificate of registration with the Care Inspectorate. And a copy of its recent inspection report. Which can also be found here: https://www.careinspectorate.com