Hints in what to look for in a quality Early Childhood Education Center

Looking for an Early Childhood Education Center can be stressful and overwhelming.  Here are a few hints to help guide you in your search.

1. Trust word of mouth.  If you know other people whose children are at the center and they are happy, that is a good sign.
2. Look for centers who have higher accreditation besides State accreditation.  NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) is a good one.  There are other accreditations as well.  This just mean that the center has high goals for itself and adheres to higher standards than just the State standards.  This doesn't mean they don't do that without that accreditation, but you can rest assure that with it; they do.
3. Check with state childcare licensing to see if the center has any major infractions and double check to see that they are licensed (that is the most important).
4. Check the teacher to child ratio.  The lower the better.
5. Take a tour of the center.  Call and set up an appointment.  If your child is born, take him/her with you.
6. Go with your instinct on the tour; if it feels like a warm and loving environment, it probably is. 
7. If you go on a tour and hear lots of yelling from teachers and there environment look sterile think twice.
8. Find out about how the center communicates with you.  Can you call, is there email, is the director available, newsletters or daily notes.  You want to make sure the line of communication is there for you.
9. Do they have an open door policy?  Can you visit anytime? (even though that might not be the best for your child for you to come and go in the middle of the day, but I would question a center that does not allow that)
10. How clean is it...do teacher wear gloves when changing diapers, do you they clean the tables before and after eating?  This is also comforting to know.
11. What is their philosophy?  Does it match with yours?  Do they have a curriculum or special programming?  Look for a program is not just 'day care' or 'babysitting' but one that is flexible but has lesson plans and daily schedule.
12. What is there security like?  Can anyone walk right in?

Finding the right center is just the beginning.  I strongly believe that early childhood education centers have wonderful benefits for children.  In the right center, your child will thrive and grow and never want to leave!