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Choosing a day care provider for your child is a very important decision. The day care you choose should be licensed and/or accredited by a recognized standard-setting body. Here are some other things to watch for:
- Facility – spacious, safe and clean; availability of age appropriate toys and equipment; emergency phones, lights, fire alarms are working; safe playground equipment and surfaces;
- Program – staff to child ratios and group size meet standards at all times; a flexible, child-oriented schedule includes alternating active and quiet activities; discipline consists of teaching expected behavior – not punishment; good sanitation is practiced; healthy "family style" meals and snacks are offered; plans are practiced for the management of injury, illness and evacuation.
- Staff – a director monitors and improves program; nurturing caregivers receive regular training; low staff turnover; a primary caregiver is assigned to each child; adult observation of caregivers is provided
- Parent Involvement – parents are encouraged to help with programs and are always welcome with nothing "off-limits" to parental inspection.
- Consultants – are used in the areas of health, mental health, and nutrition.
For additional healthy kids tips, log onto baymed.org, scroll over "Health Checks & You" and join our "E-List." For more information about childhood diseases or development, contact Inez Balinska, MD or Darek Balinski, MD, Bay Regional Pediatrics, Medical Mall, 1456 W. Center Road, Essexville. (989) 895-4840.
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