Child care options for working parent could include the grandparents, other relatives, neighbours, nannies, an au pair, a day mother or daycare centres. Parents should be aware of the pros and cons when deciding which day care options they want.
This is not an easy task. One of the most important issues to look for is the safety of your child.
It is important to provide an acceptable level of safety for everyone who use, visit or work in a day care setting.
The following are some important principals to keep in mind at a day care centre or care group:
- The centre must be registered with the relevant department and follow existing requirements or specifications for day care centres
- All premises, equipment and daily procedures should be regularly checked, reviewed and monitored. A safety checklist can be used to do this
- Safety has to be in balance with the children's other needs. The children still need freedom and opportunity to play in a safe environment
- Staff and caregivers at the day care facility should be consistent and safety conscious
- Everyone should be made aware of risks that might be present and of precautions that might have to be made
- Training of child minders is essential
- An accident reporting system should be in place. Trained staff as well as a protocol for reporting of injuries should be on hand.
The following are is just some issues that parents or child minders should inspect regularly to make sure that children are cared for safely:
SAFETY CHECKLIST FOR DAY CARE FACILITIESSATISFACTORYINDOORS
YESNOAre access to windows blocked with guards and safety latches so small children cannot fall out? Are safety gates used on stairs and doors? Are children always under supervision and never left alone? Are there adequate numbers of staff to children? Do high chairs have a wide base and safety harness? Is the nappy changing area safe? Does it have a rail and is it cleaned after each use? Are medicines are placed out of reach of children? Are other cleaning agents stored in a safe place? Does the school have a medicine policy in place? Are all electrical cords are out of reach of children? Are heaters safe and cannot be reached by children? Are fans safely out of reach and do they have covers? Are hot liquids and food placed out of reach of children? Are children allowed in the cooking area without an adult or teacher? Are fire extinguishers are in working order and regularly checked? Do all staff know how to use extinguishers? Does the centre have an emergency plan in place? Are emergency numbers listed at the phone? Are first aid kits available and adequately stocked? Are toys and furniture in good order and repaired if broken? Are toys age appropriate and regularly washed? Are all glass doors manufactured of safety glass and marked at children's level? Are toilets and sinks the appropriate size? OUTDOORS
Are outside play areas fenced and can gate not be opened by small children? Are children supervised when playing outside and is the area free of glass? Is play equipment smooth, stable, rust free, splinters and sharp edges? Is the sandpit covered when not in use? Is surface under play equipment safe and impact absorbing? Is the drop-off area at the centre safe? Are there poisonous plants in the garden? Does the centre an accident record of each incident? Is staff trained in emergency care or first aid?