A few weeks ago I shared my guide to choosing Centre Based Care. This week I'm sharing a few things to consider when choosing a home based educator. Family day care is very different to centre based care but it doesn't mean you can't look at many of the same things you would for a bigger service. The unique aspect of home day care though also means that there are some specific things you should be looking at or asking on your initial visit (in my opinion) that might not be a consideration when choosing centre based care.
As I explained in part 1 of this series, the questions, insights and suggestions expressed in this article are my own and formed from my own experience as a parent and over 20 years experience in the early childhood education sector. You might not agree and that is perfectly fine…we are all different as parents and also as educators but hopefully you might find something useful in the list below. As always I would love to read your own thoughts and opinions on this subject so I'd love you to leave your comments in the section below!
Here are my top tips!
The Environment
- Is there a sense of ‘family' in the family day care environment or is there just a room or area set up to look like a mini long day care centre?
- Would you feel ‘fenced in' if you spent your days here?
- What areas can the children access?
- Do the educator's own family members enter the care area?
- Are they encouraged to form relationships and interact with children and families in care?
- Do you feel welcome and comfortable in this space? Is there an outside area? Does it look safe to you as a parent?
- Are there spaces for children's belongings?
- Where do the children sleep and eat?
- Are there spaces for children to play by themselves and unwind but also come together in group play?
The Basics
- What do you see on display?
- Is there evidence of the educator's qualifications, philosophy, first aid training, registration?
- Is there children's artwork or craft displayed to encourage a sense of belonging to this space?
- Is there information displayed for parents?
- Do you see evidence of parent communication or children's interactions and activities through displayed photos or other means?
- Do the children in care look happy and busy or grumpy and constantly seeking the educators attention?
- Can you see evidence of children being welcomed into the family home environment?
- If you see other parents are they engaged by the educator in a friendly and familiar way?
Outside Play
Regular readers will know that I value outdoor play very highly and so should you. If there isn't an emphasis on outdoor play and learning then ask yourself why.
Ask when they go outside and what they do there. The space doesn't need to be large like ours but even the tiniest of yards can offer a wealth of opportunity for messy play, gross motor fun and exploration of the environment.
Is the backyard a sea of plastic children's furniture? Nothing wrong with that approach but please ask how they use it and if the environment is changed around according to the children's ages and interests.
Does it look like children are encouraged to explore and play outside?
Opportunities for Play
- Can you see children experiencing play together in groups?
- Are they communicating with each other?
- Are they engaged and happy or constantly arguing?
- Are there opportunities for self expression and problem solving in a group environment?
- How does the educator handle conflict when it arises?
- Are there spaces for children to find their own place to play in a way that they wish?
- Can they find a quiet spot to work through their emotions or mood?
Can you see children happy to play on their own and engage in different activities of their own initiative?
Are the resources gender based or are all children encouraged to use whatever they want to in their play?
- Can you see evidence of independence and self help skills?
- Is there the opportunity to explore their interests?
To take pride in their surroundings…to belong to the space they visit regularly?
To feel they are welcome…to trust their attempts at self care….or does it seem that cleanliness and order are the most important factors?
Activities
- Can you see activities provided for all of the age ranges?
- Are the babies and toddlers challenged in the educational program too?
- Can you see photos of the children engaged in activities?
Invitations to Play
Not everyone likes to set up little invitations or provocations to play…I personally think they are wonderful. The don't take much time yet they make such a difference to the play that occurs.
On your visit can you see evidence of some invitations to play both indoors and out?
Can you see evidence of the educator taking the time to set up experiences for the children in care?
Resources…
- Are there a range of resources?
- Can you see a mix of old and new toys and resources as well as preloved and op shop real life additions?
- Can you see evidence of recycling or upcycling of resources?
- Do the resources look age appropriate?
- Can you see natural/wooden toys throughout the house?
Sustainability
- Is there a focus on sustainability and the importance of children learning about the world around them and their environment?
- Are there gardens for the children to become involved in?
- Are there recycling practices in place?
- Are there animals in the environment? If so, how are they incorporated into the program of learning?
- Is there a recycling plan in place on the program?
Natural Materials
Shiny plastic toys and climbing frames haven their place but can you see a mix of natural materials incorporated into the play spaces too?
Wood, rocks, shells, bark, sand, water…the list goes on. Whether outdoors or in I would be looking for a nice balance of quality resources, op shop treasures and natural elements in the environment. It shows resourcefulness, creativity, imagination and a love of the environment and all it has to offer to an educator and the children.
What can you see indoors and out? Would you like to play here?
Are natural elements incorporated into the play activities?
Sensory/Messy Play Opportunities
- Can you see evidence of messy and sensory play?
- Ask if the children are encouraged to get messy and explore
- Ask if messy play is an important part of the program each week?
- The benefits of sensory and messy play in the early years is enormous…does the educator embrace this sort of play?
Happy Kids
Most of all….
- Do the children look happy?
- Does the educator look happy?
- Does the household environment seem safe and utilsed well?
- Are the children encouraged to explore?
And ..do they look busy and engaged in their play?
What do you feel is important when choosing a new educator and care environment for your child?
Love it. The whole lot is pretty much spot on. Btw I love your “bus”.
Thankyou for your kind comment…and yes we love our bus/train!!
A great list of questions here. Some wonderful learning experiences/play settings in your pictures.
This is a great list! Not only for parents in search of daycare, but for providers to use as a checklist of sorts to really question themselves on what they are offering! I love it! great job!
Thanks for suggesting that we ask potential childcare centers about the opportunities the children are given for sensory, messy play and exploring. My husband and I are trying to choose a childcare center for our daughter, and it can be overwhelming with all of the options out there! I didn’t realize that sensory play was so important for a child’s early growth, so thanks for bringing that to my attention.