With many different top child care centers in Owings Mills. MD, selecting the right daycare center for your child can be a challenging process. Great private daycare programs will not only provide a supportive, nurturing environment for your child during his or her early years, but also will equip your child with the social and academic skills needed for an effortless transition into kindergarten.  The more questions you ask a caregiver during the initial interview process, the fewer surprises you’ll have down the road. When selecting a child care center in Phoenix, keep the following in mind:
 

1. Disciplinary and caregiving policies. Different day care centers have different policies for disciplining children and structuring a child’s day. Do the caregivers use time outs or warning system with scoldings? How will your child’s day be structured from drop-off to pick-up: are there consistent periods throughout the day for activities, reading bookings, eating snacks or having nap time?
 

2. Consistent caregiver attention. Children need consistent, predictable care with a safe, familiar routine. This is especially true for babies and toddlers who form strong bonds with their caregivers. When selecting a daycare center, ask how long the average caregiver’s tenure at the center is and how much staff turnover the center typically experiences. A consistent caregiver will not only help your child fill more comfortable, but also better understand your child’s unique needs and be prepared to meet them accordingly.
 

3. Caregiver and child interaction. When you visit a potential child caregiver site, notice how the staff interacts with the children. Are they down on the floor playing with them? What is the ratio of caregivers to children? For young babies and toddlers, a low caregiver to child ratio is very important; the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends one adult for every three babies up to 24 months of age.

What are you waiting for? End your child care search and mark one more thing off your "to-do" list by searching Top Daycare Centers today.