Back to School - Experts advise on choosing best day care

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Experts advise on choosing best day care

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (UPI) -- Child-development professionals at the University of Arkansas say good day care requires high-quality health, safety, learning and relationships.

Sue Martin and Vernoice Baldwin of the University of Arkansas Infant Development Center and Nursery School say parents should look for a child-care facility that is licensed by the state with staff that shows care and respect for children. Some states offer other ways for child-care centers to show quality above and beyond licensure, such as the Arkansas Child Care Approval System. Two kinds of national accreditation are also available, from either the National Association for the Education of Young Children or the National Association for Family Child Care.

Licensing agencies set limits on the ratio of children to staff. Typically there should be no more than four babies or toddlers for each caregiver and up to eight children aged 3 to 4 years per caregiver, says Martin.

"The best indicator of quality care for children is the educational background and training of the providers," Baldwin said. "Ask how long the teachers or caregivers have been with the center. Attachment is so important for young children."

Parents should also check for food quality, cleanliness, a balance of restful and more vigorous activities, sensory toys and free play time.

Copyright 2006 by United Press International

This news arrived on: 08/28/2006

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