5 Important Things Before Choosing A Childcare Centre

(Guest Contributor: Childcare Renovation)

Having an excellent early childcare environment for their kids is what every busy parent would ever ask for, and also serves as a parenting milestone. A good childcare centre not only helps build good character for the child’s development, but it will also bring out the best in them.

For example, a childcare centre with a well-organized curriculum is able to let the children explore their creativity and nurtures good social skills. That being said, choosing a childcare centre can be challenging for parents with the vast number of choices available today.

“Children are not things to be moulded, but are people to be unfolded.” – Jess Lair

It’s hard to give a clear answer as to which childcare centre is the best as each family has different needs and requirements. Don’t worry, we have compiled 5 key points to help you make the tough decision!

1. Childcare Services Provided

What is your main preference for your kids’ childcare centre? A good childcare design layout? Qualified educators? A well-developed curriculum?

There are many types of childcare services available.

• Family daycare is where a child is educated in a small group in a family-style environment at an educator’s home. This type of daycare gives a more ‘homey’ feel and is suitable for children who are not ready to be exposed to a foreign environment yet.
• Long daycare is more organized, consisting of qualified educators who group the children by different ages. In comparison to family daycare, long daycare provides children with a highly social environment where they can learn to socialize with their peers.
• Occasional care is more casual and provides flexible care on an ad-hoc basis, an advantage for parents with no consistent schedules.
• Out-of-school-hours-care (OOSH) provides education and care for primary school students during school holidays or outside school hours. By knowing the type of childcare services they offer, it can help you organize the arrangements to fit your schedule.

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2. Education Structure

Childcare does not only provide care for kids, it also manages their early education programs. Make sure to check out the provided curriculum for your childcare centres of choice to ensure it is not too advanced or underdeveloped for your children.

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3. Location  

Every parent needs to have a work-life balance for their own mental wellbeing. Choosing the ideal location for your kid’s childcare centre will make your day-to-day activities so much smoother.

For example, having the childcare centre located on the way to work will provide the parents with enough time to drive to the centre for a convenient pick-up and drop-off.

When it comes to children, every little convenience will make your life so much easier.

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4. Costs

The cost of childcare centres may range from affordable to exclusive and therefore can take up a large sum of the household income. Bear in mind that the most expensive childcare centre isn’t always the best. There are always hidden gems out there!

Take daily expenses into consideration (such as getting diapers and other necessities) as they affect daily spending. Try making a list of financial priorities and make sure that the items on the top of the list will not be affected when choosing the childcare centre for your children.

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5. Design Layout

The childcare design layout is an important factor for choosing the best childcare centre. A childcare centre with a welcoming entrance and room set-up can make children feel calmer and at ease. A good preschool design layout will influence the children’s ability to learn.

A study was done by a group of researchers from The University of Queensland, titled ‘Health Benefits of Urban Nature’, which shows that having plants in the classroom allows children to learn better. It also improves their ability to concentrate better. Not only that, but plants also act as a natural air filter so that children will be breathing in clean air instead of the dust and grime of a dusty classroom.

The appropriate amount of windows in the classroom to bring in sunlight also has a positive impact on children's development. It is proven that studying in a naturally lit environment will boost the children’s test scores by 25%.

The right spaces and sizes of the rooms should be sufficient for children to spend their energy and play around for social activities. Your kids will be less stressed and in turn, have fewer tantrums. It is clear that childcare design layout plays a vital role in making a comfortable environment for the children.

Check out this article for some tips on how to plan an interior design for childcare centres!

Designing the right childcare design layout for a childcare centre to accommodate their performance and safety can be challenging. Childcare Renovation Singapore has 10 years of experience in this field, so they have the professional expertise and tools to help you design your childcare centre! You can drop them a message for your first consultation!