If you are an expectant mom or new parent planning to return to work after a new baby joins the family, choosing an infant daycare provider should be the first thing on your to-do list. You likely have so many questions! And you should. Many new parents are intimidated by the task of finding the best infant care near Birmingham for their baby and simply aren’t sure of what questions to ask when searching.
Peace comes from knowing that your little one will be given the best care possible while you are at work. Ardent Preschool & Daycare desires the best for your family! Their goal is to ensure parents are truly equipped with the right resources to help them make the right decisions. Use these five common questions off their Infant Care Checklist to jump start your infant care search process.
I’m pregnant, is it too early to start looking?
While seven or eight months may seem like plenty of time to find the perfect daycare for your little one, it isn’t. No expectant mother should have to face uncertainty when it comes to who will care for their infant when she returns to work.
Once you’ve made the good news official, create a list of what you are looking for in an infant care program. Examine the expectations you have of your care provider, including location, style of care, and timeline of when will you be needing infant care.
Do I ask for a facility tour?
Always yes! You definitely want to see first-hand the places you are considering. Make appointments to tour your top three selections. Consider the valuable opportunity of meeting potential infant care providers in person and talking with them, as well as touring the facility. This will give you a better feel for what exactly is involved in the infant care program and if it meets or exceeds your expectations.
Use this time to learn about the safety measures in place, observe the cleaning procedures, view the room set up, and more.
Is the space welcoming?
When assessing if a space is welcoming, consider whether the overall environment feels friendly and inviting. Pay attention to whether staff members show a genuine interest in addressing your needs. Observe if both the teachers and children seem happy, as their demeanor can be indicative of the atmosphere. Reflect on whether you feel comfortable and at ease in the space, and envision if your family would fit in well. These aspects collectively contribute to a warm and inviting environment that is conducive to your family’s needs and comfort.
Do I trust the caretakers?
Trust is another big part of the process. Make sure the administration and staff seem knowledgeable and inquire whether there is high staff turnover. Ask about the training teachers receive across the levels of care and if there are opportunities for continued education. Additionally, find out if the facility has a good reputation and if parent involvement is welcomed. Positive interactions with the administration and staff make a big difference in fostering a community of trust for parents and caretakers alike.
New mom Casey Gladney shares, “The first day for the baby was extremely emotional for me. The staff here was very caring and compassionate. I think every one of them that I came into contact with that day asked me if I was okay and if I needed anything.”
Is it an investment worth making?
When considering a childcare facility, it’s important to weigh several factors to ensure it’s a worthwhile investment for your family. Start by assessing whether the tuition is competitively priced compared to other facilities, and look at how fees are structured. Additionally, check out whether the facility offers family events or parenting support, as these can enrich your experience and provide valuable resources on your family’s journey.
Think about whether you can see your family being part of the community long-term and if the program is one where your child will thrive. These factors, together, will help you determine if the investment aligns with your family’s needs and expectations.
Kevin P., father of multiple Ardent kids, shares about the value of investing in his children’s care. “There is no question about whether our next child is going to come here. It’s a matter of when they are going to start and being excited because we know the quality of education they are going to get and the investment that is going to be poured into them as a person, both academically and spiritually.”
For almost 21 years, Ardent Preschool & Daycare has provided care to hundreds of families for their precious babies. Tour an Ardent Preschool & Daycare location and experience what has made them one of the most trusted providers for child and infant care in the Birmingham area.
