Every parent would agree that finding the right infant care centre is easier said than done. With so many options and factors to consider, it’s hard not to feel overwhelmed and stressed about this decision.
It can be quite a challenge, but keeping a few basic points in mind can make your life much easier and help you make a more informed decision for your child’s future.
We know you only want the best for your child, so we’re here to help. Here’s a list of valuable tips to take note of as you search for the best infant care centre in Sembawang!
1. Do your own research
There are plenty of great sources for recommendations on infant care centres in Sembawang worth checking out.
First up is Google. A simple search can lead you to the top-rated centres in the area and beyond, often with first-hand reviews from fellow parents and their experiences.
You also can’t go wrong asking parent friends or acquaintances who’ve recently had babies – nothing beats personal recommendations from people you trust!
If that doesn’t work out, try striking up a conversation with other parents in your community, for example, in your pilates classes or even while waiting to see your paediatrician. You might be surprised by how willing other parents are to share their recommendations.
2. Look into their curriculum
Once you have your shortlist of infant care centres, the next step is to enquire about their curriculum. This serves as the caregiver’s guide to providing effective, age-appropriate care and education for infants.
As a parent, it might be tricky to understand all the details, but the key here is to ensure that the curriculum is both comprehensive and age-appropriate.
A good curriculum should expose children to a variety of activities that help them discover their interests and develop their skills to the best of their abilities.
3. Drop by at least once
The best way to understand how an infant care centre operates is by visiting it in person. This gives you the chance to observe the environment and get to know the people who will be looking after your child.
Pay close attention to how the caregivers interact with each child. Are there enough caregivers to ensure each child gets the attention they need?
Also, watch how your child behaves and how the other children interact with each other. How do the carers deal with noisy and misbehaving children?
Take this opportunity to speak with the caregivers and support staff to learn more about their skills and experience. Of course, you’ll want your child to be in the hands of someone trained and experienced for the job.
4. Ask for their daily schedule
At this age, it’s important for children to begin learning how to follow and adapt to a consistent routine. Children generally feel happier and safer when they have an idea of how their day is going to unfold.
For example, a typical infant care routine might include arrival, playtime, snack, lunch, naptime, indoor or outdoor play, and departure. This structure should be thoughtfully designed to support their social, emotional, and physical development.
5. Trust your gut
At the end of the day, you’re the one who knows what’s best for your child.
How do you feel when you walk through the doors of the infant care centre? Which one felt like the right fit for your family? Can you see your child thriving there?
If you’re having second thoughts, then it’s probably not the best choice for your child.
If you’re looking for an infant care centre in Sembawang to support your child’s early childhood development and education, enquire today with the My Little Campus team to see how we can help kickstart their preschool journey.
