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PLAYING: What to consider when choosing a crèche
What to consider when choosing a crèche
5 mins
to read
Oct 26, 2020
- Consider the location of the crèche. Will it be more convenient nearer home or your place of work?
- Consider the time it takes you to get there and how you would get there.
- Talk to other parents using facilities locally to you and find out their experiences.
- Make a shortlist of places and try to view as many of them as possible.
- Consider taking your child on these visits too if you can.
- Take note of how you and your child are greeted at the crèche.
- Observe your child’s reactions to the staff, setting, and other children.
- Consider if the other children seem settled and happy.
- Consider if the staff are attentive to the children and to each other.
- Ask what activities your child might be involved in during the day.
- Ask if the crèche keeps records of the children. Could they show you an example?
- Ask what provisions are made for naps or quiet time.
- Ask about meals and nutrition and how they deal with picky eaters or specific dietary requirements.
- Ask about toileting and potty-training policies.
- Ask if nappies and feeds/meals are included.
- Ask about settling-in periods.
- Consider that you and your child might need time to adjust to childcare arrangements.
- Ask about staff ratios. Are they in line with government guidelines? What happens when people are off sick or on leave?
- Ask what safeguards are in place for other people picking up my child.
- Find out what the crèche’s daily hours are and if these apply all year round or just to term times.
- Check the availability of places. Some crèche’s need to be booked up to a year ahead.
- If you’re returning to work, read our tips for going back to work after a baby. [https://www.babyandme.nestle.co.za/going-back-work-after-baby]